old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 lucky offside call as WH player volley's into the net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 (edited) HT 0-1. After having most of the possession for the first 10-12 mins, since the goal WH have been much the better side. Their keeper has not had a serious shot to save, nor have we even managed to win a corner since the 1st minute. As it stands can only see WH increasing their lead. Massive improvement needed 2nd half, if we are to get back into this game. No idea why Stratigakis hasn't started, or why Morgan has again been left out, as her pace is a great asset. Edited January 28 by old_eastender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 West Ham far superior sadly Is it Tinnion telling the whole club to play 5-4-1 because it definitely ain't working for the women. Threstrup even more isolated than Conway. Went to a more 4-4-2 just before the break Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRock Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Women vs Girls. We don’t look very good, not even very fit. The West Ham player for their goal could have written their autobiography, cooked lunch and would have still had the time to have placed their shot without being challenged. Perhaps, we’re lulling West Ham into a sense of false security and will come out like lions in the second half. Predict 4-1 City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 (edited) offside flag saves us as West Ham net, we go straight down the other end and score! 1-1 Edited January 28 by old_eastender 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 1-1 West Ham too busy celebrating an offside goal to then defend the counter amateur stuff 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossi the Robin Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Lovely counter attack, Nige would have loved that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 oh dear, City give the ball away cheaply in m/f and WH player allowed to run from the half-way line unchallenged to score 1-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 FT 1-2. A better performance 2nd half with Morgan on, but a really poor goal to give away after getting level, our no.3 looked like she was running in treacle! Really this game and last week's against Brighton were two we had to not lose, and we have lost both so relegation is now highly likely. It was clear we needed to add 2 or 3 quality players in Jan and we have only bought in 1, and she didn't start today (don't count Evans who looks a poor signing). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 On 26/01/2024 at 17:07, old_eastender said: Have to say, I find it an underwhelming transfer, she is 31 and her best years are behind her. Was hoping for another signing of the calibre of Stratigakis. Still maybe Evans will hit the winner against her old club and leave egg on my face! Sadly, on the evidence of today's game does indeed look like a very poor signing. On from the 38th minute and did nothing for us at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luke_bristol Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Looks really ominous for the women now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Full nelson Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 That was absolutely sh#te, sorry girls but that was crap!! Relegation is a cert now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cidre Monita Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 So the 4th best supported team in the league are going down with a whimper. Shame. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Balls Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 3 minutes ago, Cidre Monita said: So the 4th best supported team in the league are going down with a whimper. Shame. Which comes back to the short-sightedness of not investing in this transfer window to maintain their WSL status. Really poor from those higher up not to emphasise recruitment of some top talent, even just in the short term to ensure survival. Principles of recruiting young local players are all well and good, as there is a huge area for the club to tap into for both support (hence the 4th largest crowds in the league) and talent, but experience and top international level players are still needed to survive at this level. That’s what other promoted clubs have had to do but of course we are Bristol City so we do things differently - and then seem baffled as to why it hasn’t worked! 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TV Tom Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 My first game, 2nd best throughout, what’s more me and missus were still in the bar when we scored !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cidre Monita Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 3 minutes ago, Dr Balls said: Which comes back to the short-sightedness of not investing in this transfer window to maintain their WSL status. Really poor from those higher up not to emphasise recruitment of some top talent, even just in the short term to ensure survival. Principles of recruiting young local players are all well and good, as there is a huge area for the club to tap into for both support (hence the 4th largest crowds in the league) and talent, but experience and top international level players are still needed to survive at this level. That’s what other promoted clubs have had to do but of course we are Bristol City so we do things differently - and then seem baffled as to why it hasn’t worked! Couldn’t agree with you more. The exact same thing happened last time the girls went down. A golden opportunity thrown away yet again! As with the rest of Bristol Sport we know where the blame lies. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamdon Mart Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 On 21/01/2024 at 16:06, phantom said: Seriously lacking enough real quality across the team Sadly effort won't win you games at that level Do you still disagree? I think you're right, you know. Had to give them the benefit of the doubt before these last two games but they've come out with nothing. Can't speak for last weekend v Brighton as I didn't see the game but today, the girls seemed very leggy at times. Puzzling because West Ham played midweek in the League Cup at Birmingham while City had a free week. Morgan's introduction was as spectacular as it was welcome, assisting inside two minutes, she is a class act. One thing I noticed today more than I have prweviously was that the passing at times was really poor. And the crossing from the byline was the same, twice shanked into the stand when a decent delivery would have asked questions of the Hammers backline. Find it sad watching Abi Harrison at the moment as she doesn't look fit at all and left the scene early in the game again today. We've missed Rachel Furniss though IMO, when is she back? All in all, a gloomy day but the fat lady hasn't started singing yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 That Mewis looked absolutely shocking, thought she was meant to be a big deal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Full nelson Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 34 minutes ago, Hamdon Mart said: I think you're right, you know. Had to give them the benefit of the doubt before these last two games but they've come out with nothing. Can't speak for last weekend v Brighton as I didn't see the game but today, the girls seemed very leggy at times. Puzzling because West Ham played midweek in the League Cup at Birmingham while City had a free week. Morgan's introduction was as spectacular as it was welcome, assisting inside two minutes, she is a class act. One thing I noticed today more than I have prweviously was that the passing at times was really poor. And the crossing from the byline was the same, twice shanked into the stand when a decent delivery would have asked questions of the Hammers backline. Find it sad watching Abi Harrison at the moment as she doesn't look fit at all and left the scene early in the game again today. We've missed Rachel Furniss though IMO, when is she back? All in all, a gloomy day but the fat lady hasn't started singing yet. After that display the fat lady has sang her last song for our girls. Dreadful day for Lauren Smith, got everything wrong today. They just are not good enough and will struggle next season to be top spot. You have to blame our owners for a missed opportunity. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Fantastic goal from us, but otherwise fairly awful I'm afraid Can't see anything but relegation unfortunately. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 1 hour ago, Full nelson said: That was absolutely sh#te, sorry girls but that was crap!! Relegation is a cert now. First half yes, they played like they'd only just met each other, 2nd half much better. I live in hope it'll all gel at some point. Missed Layzell today, injured presumably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelton’s Love Gravy Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 3 minutes ago, Eco said: First half yes, they played like they'd only just met each other, 2nd half much better. I live in hope it'll all gel at some point. Missed Layzell today, injured presumably. I heard a rumour that she’s off to Villa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midred Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 If only they had parachute payments in the WSL! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 I just don't get it. It was clear the last time we went down that the Womens game was getting bigger and bigger and yet our ownership did next to nothing to prevent us dropping out of the top flight and now, with great support and the WSL very much a place where decent investment brings bigger rewards, we're slipping out of it again. The Womens Championship gets stronger each season which makes it more difficult to get back up again. Why do the Landsdowns bother if they're not going to take it seriously? They binned the first City Womens team in 2007 and then, when it soon became apparent that was a mistake as the ladies game rapidly grew, they bought some one elses team. Then, after going to all that effort to bring it back into the City fold they preside over a season by season decline in the WSL and then relegation. When we get back into the WSL, they standby and watch the team struggle all over again. Bizarre. 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Full nelson Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Back at the HPC next season. I'll get a st still and pick the fair weather games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 11 minutes ago, Midlands Robin said: I just don't get it. It was clear the last time we went down that the Womens game was getting bigger and bigger and yet our ownership did next to nothing to prevent us dropping out of the top flight and now, with great support and the WSL very much a place where decent investment brings bigger rewards, we're slipping out of it again. The Womens Championship gets stronger each season which makes it more difficult to get back up again. Why do the Landsdowns bother if they're not going to take it seriously? They binned the first City Womens team in 2007 and then, when it soon became apparent that was a mistake as the ladies game rapidly grew, they bought some one elses team. Then, after going to all that effort to bring it back into the City fold they preside over a season by season decline in the WSL and then relegation. When we get back into the WSL, they standby and watch the team struggle all over again. Bizarre. I don’t follow it as closely as others, but it was always gonna be about being better than just one club, first season back up, retain status and kick-on. It feels like they’ve not given it a big enough shot to me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 23 minutes ago, Shelton’s Love Gravy said: I heard a rumour that she’s off to Villa Thanks She was injured today, according to Lauren's pre-match interview just seen. Not sure if Murray was injured when she came off or tactical. She looked a tad rusty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cidre Monita Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 1 hour ago, Midlands Robin said: I just don't get it. It was clear the last time we went down that the Womens game was getting bigger and bigger and yet our ownership did next to nothing to prevent us dropping out of the top flight and now, with great support and the WSL very much a place where decent investment brings bigger rewards, we're slipping out of it again. The Womens Championship gets stronger each season which makes it more difficult to get back up again. Why do the Landsdowns bother if they're not going to take it seriously? They binned the first City Womens team in 2007 and then, when it soon became apparent that was a mistake as the ladies game rapidly grew, they bought some one elses team. Then, after going to all that effort to bring it back into the City fold they preside over a season by season decline in the WSL and then relegation. When we get back into the WSL, they standby and watch the team struggle all over again. Bizarre. I’ve said for a while now the Bristol Sport clubs are all in a managed decline. How SL would love the rugby and women’s football to go amateur again!! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxyboy Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 (edited) When is Smith going to be sacked or do the right thing and resign..she is tactically inept, looks like she is out on a girls nite out on matchdays and does nothing to inspire the players ...Get rid now Edited January 28 by coxyboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinMan's left peg Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Quite depressing today. Really poor at the basics. Gave the ball away repeatedly, couldn’t string passes together and then lacked quality when we did make chances. The most frustrating thing was the lack of fight and urgency given how important the game was. The way West Ham celebrated at the end showed they understood the significance. As others have said though, if / when we drop out of the WSL the blame lies firmly at the feet of the board. It’s essentially a dereliction of duty. A very bright future was there for the taking but they don’t seem bothered 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 I only watch a game now and again, only been to the Man U game and I was quite hopeful. Against the better teams , they had managed to stay in games for the most part, only really battered once. Today was really disappointing , they never managed to boss the game, always seemed to be chasing it. There seemed to be a few players looking unfit, that may be completely wrong, but more than once it looked like a player couldn't physically chase the ball down. Two ways to go now, they beef up the squad , make changes and really try and stay up, or coast to the inevitable relegation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BS3 Ark at Ee Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Another City team the Lansdowns don’t seem bothered about! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 That may prove to be a heavy nail in this season's coffin, sadly. For all the girls' efforts and application there was a distinct difference between the two teams. It was most noticable when driving forwards: we tended to improvise more and were slower to realise the better ball, whereas West Ham's midfield dropped back as a unit and when they gained possession, surged forwards quicker and with more certainty than us. They expected a pass and move, we needed to look about first and then play. That might apply to the mens' team too, incidentally. So it proved that West Ham were able to create a scoring opportunity and take it when it came to them, having absorbed the pressure and broke - somewhat against the flow of play. Their acccuracy defined the game, and we were chasing for the rest of it. I wonder what the exact state of the players' fitness was pre-game. It seemed that a few were carrying knocks and didn't perform at the maximum. Satara Murray came into the starting line-up after a long time out and didn't last the half. Several probable starters were not on the team-sheet and that may have made all the difference. But given that, it looked a bit of a bold move to have Mari Ward on instead of Ffion Morgan - the latter's introduction for the second half sparked the equaliser. Ward is a young talent and will be the future but didn't get much traction today. Indeed, with Abi Harrison starting at left wing-back, Thestrup was once again isolated; with the Hammers holding a solid 4-4-1-1 all game it was their closing down in packs that stifled most of City's probing attacks. We simply didn't make enough progress going forwards, for all our possession. Their 'keeper had a quiet afternoon in all honesty. Having found the net early in the second half, we should have stepped it up but floundered and left Viviane Asseyi unchallenged for too long; Struck drifted to the middle to double-mark Ueki and left the space. We didn't really deserve it but at this level it is often the moments of uncertainty that count. With time running out, Smith shuffled the top end but left it until the last 10-15 minutes. Shania Hayles immediately looked lively and hungry; Stratigakis didn't really get much change out of the Hammers' defence. All in all it was another frustrating performance in front of a decent crowd of over 6,000. I accept that the team has a number of injuries and the likelihood of new talent arriving before the deadline looks poor, but that makes the rest of the season a long and difficult battle. Yes, we are only just over the halfway stage (with lots of points on offer still) but it's difficult to see where the wins are going to come from now. We will need anoter team to fall apart for our benefit. Ashton Gate has not proved a fortress, indeed it is a happy hunting ground for visitors. We have a home league record of Pld: 6, L: 6; goals: 4-15. It simply won't cut it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 46 minutes ago, TinMan's left peg said: Quite depressing today. Really poor at the basics. Gave the ball away repeatedly, couldn’t string passes together and then lacked quality when we did make chances. The most frustrating thing was the lack of fight and urgency given how important the game was. The way West Ham celebrated at the end showed they understood the significance. As others have said though, if / when we drop out of the WSL the blame lies firmly at the feet of the board. It’s essentially a dereliction of duty. A very bright future was there for the taking but they don’t seem bothered I wouldn't mind IF they just focused all their energy/money on the men's first team, but they don't even do that ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W-S-M Seagull Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 2 hours ago, Midlands Robin said: I just don't get it. It was clear the last time we went down that the Womens game was getting bigger and bigger and yet our ownership did next to nothing to prevent us dropping out of the top flight and now, with great support and the WSL very much a place where decent investment brings bigger rewards, we're slipping out of it again. The Womens Championship gets stronger each season which makes it more difficult to get back up again. Why do the Landsdowns bother if they're not going to take it seriously? They binned the first City Womens team in 2007 and then, when it soon became apparent that was a mistake as the ladies game rapidly grew, they bought some one elses team. Then, after going to all that effort to bring it back into the City fold they preside over a season by season decline in the WSL and then relegation. When we get back into the WSL, they standby and watch the team struggle all over again. Bizarre. I keep an eye out for their scores and hope they do well but for me, I struggle to get past the fact that they were formed as the Bristol Rovers ladies team. Just feels a bit like a franchise team rather than being organically BCFC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myol'man Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 I went today and noticed that the gulf in class from the top of the WSL to the bottom is vast. Little investment in the squad = relegation 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Full nelson Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 8 hours ago, myol'man said: I went today and noticed that the gulf in class from the top of the WSL to the bottom is vast. Little investment in the squad = relegation The gulf in class between the bottom side and the side which sits above them was an embarrassment. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warwickshire Red Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 Yes, what’s the point us aiming for and getting back to the WSL if realistic investment isn’t going to be made to stay there? Or at least be competitive? Maybe just another sign that SL is cutting back in preparation for a sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 On 28/01/2024 at 17:28, TV Tom said: what’s more me and missus were still in the bar when we scored !!!!! I'm the same! At half time a friend bought me a birthday drink & we were finishing our drinks as we heard the goal celebrations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 On 28/01/2024 at 21:32, W-S-M Seagull said: I struggle to get past the fact that they were formed as the Bristol Rovers ladies team. Back at the time when there was already another City women's team, which then disbanded in the late 2000s, as the renamed Bristol Academy began to take form, before being taken over by Bristol Sport and renamed City Women in 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 On 28/01/2024 at 14:18, slartibartfast said: As it's a woman's game are we not allowed to say FFS ? This is what was posted online the other week just as Brighton scored in the last minute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 Looks like this is from a press conference today, but it appears that on WSL transfer deadline day, the club will have no more deals... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinMan's left peg Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 4 minutes ago, shahanshahan said: Looks like this is from a press conference today, but it appears that on WSL transfer deadline day, the club will have no more deals... Unbelievable. That’s the club accepting relegation half way through a season when we have one of the best average attendances in Europe. They literally don’t care 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 Full press conference released Includes confirmation of no new business expected in the window, Satara Murray injuring her calf (awaiting scan results), Naomi Layzell's groin issue last week (Saturday may be too soon for her to return), Lisa Evans, and why the away form is so different compared to at home https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/smiths-aston-villa-press-conference-2/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Balls Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 1 hour ago, TinMan's left peg said: Unbelievable. That’s the club accepting relegation half way through a season when we have one of the best average attendances in Europe. They literally don’t care Couldn’t agree more. Short-sighted and useless from those in charge. Really feel for Lauren Smith. Treated as badly as Nige I.e. set up to fail! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 1 hour ago, Dr Balls said: Short-sighted and useless from those in charge Trying to actually pin down who the hell is in charge is something of a puzzle. According to the main site, Gavin Marshall is the Chairman but he's not listed as such on the companies house website. He does though have 9 different dirctorship roles across all of the Bristol Sports groups. There isn't one person who is not at least doubled up in various other jobs. The main site also shows Kevin Hamblin as a director however, he resigned according to companies house, in December last year. Its a bloody mess and a slap in the face to the players and those fans who have turned out and got behind the ladies this season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cidre Monita Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 7 minutes ago, Midlands Robin said: Trying to actually pin down who the hell is in charge is something of a puzzle. According to the main site, Gavin Marshall is the Chairman but he's not listed as such on the companies house website. He does though have 9 different dirctorship roles across all of the Bristol Sports groups. There isn't one person who is not at least doubled up in various other jobs. The main site also shows Kevin Hamblin as a director however, he resigned according to companies house, in December last year. Its a bloody mess and a slap in the face to the players and those fans who have turned out and got behind the ladies this season. There is no puzzle. Steve Lansdown is in charge and responsible for City, the Bears & the ladies. The others are just bit part players. He alone sets the budgets and is responsible for this shit show. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxyboy Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 The problem is the Manager..Smith out she is ******* clueless 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Balls Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, coxyboy said: The problem is the Manager..Smith out she is ******* clueless Look at the players she has to work with and pick from, compare it to the other clubs in the WSL, and the reason we are at the bottom of the table is pretty clear. And it’s not the manager. Needed to invest more at the beginning of the season rather than hoping for young players to cope at this level. And the best of them, like Brooke Aspin will be off at the end of the season, so getting back to the WSL for a third time after relegation will be even harder. No parachute payments like the men’s game! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 15 minutes ago, Dr Balls said: Look at the players she has to work with and pick from, compare it to the other clubs in the WSL, and the reason we are at the bottom of the table is pretty clear. And it’s not the manager. Needed to invest more at the beginning of the season rather than hoping for young players to cope at this level. And the best of them, like Brooke Aspin will be off at the end of the season, so getting back to the WSL for a third time after relegation will be even harder. No parachute payments like the men’s game! Probably some stronger teams in tier2 than last season too. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted January 31 Admin Share Posted January 31 I honestly think we're a weaker team than last year 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinMan's left peg Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 I can’t understand the thought process. In the men’s game there’s at least a theory that being a yo-yo club allows you to accrue money from TV payouts and parachute payments. You then gradually build your club until it’s ready to stay up. But that strategy doesn’t make sense in the WSL. All the money is in the top flight, basically nothing in the championship. Getting back up might take ages. There’s only 1 relegation spot so we only need to be better than 1 team. And it’s not like Lansdown could have watched the first half of the season and thought we’d more than likely survive as we are. Plus investment is relatively peanuts in terms of cost compared to the men. Therefore it can only be that they either don’t care, are incompetent or actively want the women’s team to fail. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinMan's left peg Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 Don’t know why but I’m more angry about the way the woman’s team are being managed than the mens. I can at least see some logic on the men’s side. The people i feel most sorry for are the staff and the long-standing die hard fans ( I’m very much a part time one over recent seasons only for the women). All that effort to get up, unbelievable progress with crowds and facilities etc just to chuck it all away after a feeble 1 season fling 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 10 hours ago, TinMan's left peg said: Don’t know why but I’m more angry about the way the woman’s team are being managed than the mens. I can at least see some logic on the men’s side. The people i feel most sorry for are the staff and the long-standing die hard fans ( I’m very much a part time one over recent seasons only for the women). All that effort to get up, unbelievable progress with crowds and facilities etc just to chuck it all away after a feeble 1 season fling Think Lauren Smith gave the game away early in the season when she said we're just little old Bristol City. That appears to be the mindset. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 Only City related in the sense that the next home game is against them in early March. Brighton have become the first team in the WSL this season to have their manager leave/lose their job. For additional info, this time last year she had just left London City Lionesses in the Championship, before moving Stateside to take up an assistant coach role at Angel City in the NWSL, before returning to England to join Brighton... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 On 31/01/2024 at 20:37, phantom said: I honestly think we're a weaker team than last year And/or maybe the opposition is a lot more competitive. But there are some definite things to note compared to last season: The GK situation: last season Fran Bentley pretty much played every game. This season, there's been an injury and/or knock to pretty much every goalkeeper, hence the different ones who have appeared. Benedicte Haaland didn't get much game time in her short-team deal, and Shae Yanez seems to be an apparent replacement for Kaylan Marckese. If Liv Clark is fit this weekend, I hope she starts. Bentley is back in training but no idea when she's due to return. Also, new goalkeeping coach in the team who joined in the summer (although I should assume his appointment & subsequent events are coincidence...) Midfield: Aimee Palmer leaving at the end of last season was a huge blow, and Rachel Furness' absence from injury has impacted the midfield Goal scorers: Before her goal at Brighton, Abi Harrison hadn't scored at all this season. Shania Hayles doesn't seem to start nowadays, but has only scored one goal this season - in the Conti Cup. Both were prolific goal scorers in the last two seasons respectively (not sure if there is a "Golden Boot" curse). I wonder if Hayles would start on Saturday, especially against her old team 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Well put, Shahan, and clearly the side has not performed as well as the previous season for those reasons and others. There have been problems in all depatments. If we compare the Championship winning side with this one there are a few significant changes, particularly in midfield. It was almost a new side in September in terms of the playing style. I also think we have resorted to more cautious or defensive mindsets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 (edited) Lisa Evans makes her first start. Naomi Layzell returns to the squad. Emily Syme & Ffion Morgan start as well. Abi Harrison, Mari Ward, Sille Struck drop to the bench. Satara Murray out after getting injured last week KO 12.30pm, live on FA Player for those that couldn't make it to the (ahem) Poundland Bescot Stadium Edited February 3 by shahanshahan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 1-0 down early, Thestrup equaliser within a couple of mins. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 1-1 HT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 The first 15 minutes were poor and we were almost 2 goals behind before Villa scored their first. We have slowly grown in confidence over the rest of the half and our goal was well taken. Pressing them well in Midfield now. Fingers crossed we keep pushing on in the second half. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 As expected Villa had most of the possession, but we have had a few good chances to get in on goal during breaks spoilt only by woeful final passes. Whilst it stays 1-1, we have a chance of nicking another as Vila defence seems their weakness. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Went to sleep at the back 2-1 Villa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 2-1 Villa now, we have been terrible 2nd half, can't get any possession past the half-way line, playing super deep. It was just a question of when Villa would score, stupid tactics 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Nice through ball and a strong, composed finish! But need another now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Full nelson Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 I'd rather be winning more games in a lower league, more fun. This ain't fun to watch and feel embarrassed for the girls as they ain't good enough currently. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Thunder ******* bastard….desmond 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eco Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Carrie Jones what a strike 2-2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Superb equalizer. Fantastic goal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.