Bristol City Women 0 Durham 2

 

📝 REPORT: BRISTOL CITY WOMEN 0-2 DURHAM WFC

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH 2021

City Women fall to defeat against Durham at the Robins High Performance Centre.

Match Report Sponsor: University of the West of England

THE BACKGROUND

Championship football returned to the Robins High Performance Centre following a short hiatus for the international window as City took on the Wildcats.

Prior to kick-off Durham were sitting two points and three places above the Robins heading into matchday four following two wins from three.

City were unbeaten in two after a home victory over Lewes, which was followed by an strong performance on the road to claim a point against Liverpool at Prenton Park.

Lauren Smith made three changes to the starting XI as Naomi Layzell, Simran Jhamat and Izzy Cook all came in, with Cook making her first senior start for the Robins.

WHAT HAPPENED

It was almost a fairy-tale start for Cook as she had the first chance of the game driving at the Durham 18-yard box, she let fly and forces Megan Borthwick into an outstanding save as the goalkeeper tipped her effort onto the woodwork.

City look slick in attack with Ffion Morgan providing a threat down the right-hand side from full-back, she combined with Abi Harrison who whipped a ball into the six-yard box for Aggie Beever-Jones to attack, but Sarah Robson was on hand to hook clear for Durham.

The first goal of the game would fall the way of the visitors as Liz Ejupi’s powerful run was not dealt with by the City defence and the rangy forward saw her effort crash in off the underside of the bar.

Following the half-time break City had an early opportunity through a free-kick on the edge of the box. A well-worked routine saw space open up for Ava Kuyken but the midfielder dragged her effort just wide of the target.

Soon after, Abby Holmes let off a shot from outside the area which whistled past the right upright, much to the relief of the City players and supporters.

Two quickfire chances fell the way of the hosts but to no avail. The first came courtesy of a mazy run from Beever-Jones who looked to have picked out Cook on the edge of the box, but her effort was bravely blocked by Robson.

Harrison would then have the ball in the back of the net after a spectacular strike, however the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.

Durham would have the last say at the HPC as City were penalised for a handball in a crowded penalty area and Beth Hepple stepped up to wrap-up all three points for the visitors.

THE TEAM

Bentley, Cataldo, Layzell, Murray, Morgan, Kuyken (Johnson 77’), Palmer ©, Beever-Jones (Woolley 69’), Cook, Jhamat (O’Connor 45’), Harrison

Subs: Whitehouse (GK), Bull, Wilde, Greenslade, Woolley

REACTION

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UP NEXT

City are next in action at the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday, October 3rd (3pm KO) against Sunderland Ladies AFC.