Bristol Away Preview

I'm not trying to tempt fate here but if we come away from Ashton Gate with at least a point this afternoon our current unbeaten streak for away league games extends to 760 days. Due to the way the fixture list has worked out, with no league away match after today until a trip to Bramall Lane on 19th January 2025, a point or better today would see that streak extended to a minimum of 830 days. BristolCity have found life tough in the Championship since coming down from the WSL so passing the 800 day mark is entirely possible. 

Following their previous relegation from the WSL at the end of the 2020/21 season, it took the Robins two attempts to get back up to the top flight. On current form I wouldn't say they are amongst the favourites to go up this season. Assuming we don't pull off a 3rd consecutive promotion I suspect we'd be highly favoured to make the jump next season so it may take Bristol a little longer to get back to the WSL, unless WPLL look to expand the top tier and make a second promotion slot available.

Bristol had an average home attendance of 7,000+ last season, fifth in the WSL behind Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.Despite picking up all 6 of last season's points away from home it's admirable that the club continue to back the women's side and will continue playing all home matches at Ashton Gate.

A busy summer in terms of incomings and outgoings for the Robins. Championship winning manager Lauren Smith, after signing a new 3 year deal, unexpectedly left the club over the summer. Taking the reigns is Welsh full back Loren Dykes who has 105 international caps and made almost 100 appearances for Bristol City before retirement in 2021. Current league top scorer and Jamaican international Shania Hayles made the move from Bristol to the Northeast as our first signing of the summer, Bristol City Women's Young Player of the Year Naomi Layzell headed to current WSL leaders Manchester City and goalkeepers Shae Yanez & Olivia Clark respectively moved to Crystal Palace and FC Twente. 

34 year old Harley Bennett moved from Watford to add experience to Bristol City's defence and 21 year old winger Lexi Lloyd-Smith, currently joing third in the league on 4 goals, signed from Southampton. Danish striker Amalie Thestrup was the club's top scorer last season scoring 9 of their WSL goals whilst winning Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust's Player of the Year. Only 2 goals so far this season but a player to watch.

Bristol and Birmingham played out a 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate on the second weekend of the season and a week later they lost 2-1 away to London City Lionesses. Then, of course, last weekend, after coming back from conceding a first minute goal at the Stadium of Light to lead 1-2 they conceded 3 goals in 4 minutes early in the second half and a 71st minute Lloyd-Smith goal wasn't enough to prevent a 4-3 loss. So they are certainly beatable.

For our part, a much improved performance at St. Andrews last weekend, we are adapting to the league and game management is getting better. A noticably more physical performance from the lasses last Sunday, stand out performances from Pottsy and Liv Watt in defence and Beth Lumsden going forward. Other than the return of Amber Keegan Stobbs I expect a very similar starting 11 to the Birmingham team, it's taken a little while but everything is now starting to click on the pitch. I don't expect a walk over and I don't think we'll score enough goals to go top, save that for St. James' Park next weekend, but I think a relatively comfortable 1-2 away win to keep the streak going.