Match Reports

Women Report: Bristol City 0 Albion 0

By Jake Ketley • 10 February 2019

  • Albion claim a point at Bristol City
  • Ini Umotong shot hits the crossbar
  • Victoria Williams’s header is cleared off the line
  • The Seagulls are next in FA Women’s Super League action against Birmingham City on 20th February.

Brighton & Hove Albion created a number of chances, but were unable to find the elusive goal in today’s 0-0 draw over Bristol City.

Hope Powell made two changes to the squad who faced Manchester United last time out, with Chloe Peplow and Kayleigh Green replacing Jenna Legg and Ellie Brazil respectively.

It was a quiet start to the match, with both sides finding it difficult to create chances, but Albion arguably had the better of the play.

Ini Umotong and the returning Green managed to get behind the Vixens defence on multiple occasions, but were unable to find the killer cross into the box.

Bristol City created the first chance of the match when Rosella Ayane broke the offside trap, but her shot went straight at Sophie Harris.

However, Powell’s side grew stronger after this, and began to threaten Sophie Baggaley’s goal.

Firstly, Fliss Gibbons whipped a superb ball into the penalty area, but Umotong was unable to find the net after a goalmouth scramble.

The best chance of the half then fell to the increasingly influential Umotong. Fern Whelan’s fantastic ball over the top released the Nigeria international through on goal, only for her to cannon the resulting shot back off the crossbar.

After finishing the half the stronger of the two teams, the Seagulls went into half time full of confidence and they started the second half much like they ended the first.

Gibbons swung in another impressive delivery from the right side and found Victoria Williams, but Frankie Brown cleared the latter’s flick-on off the line.

Just after the hour mark, the Vixens had a penalty shout turned down when Green was judged to have fairly challenged Carla Humphrey, who was about to unleash an effort on goal.

Albion once again started to pile on the pressure, creating more clear-cut chances.

After Peplow’s effort narrowly cleared the crossbar, Megan Connolly had an effort from barely a couple of yards out, but she couldn’t direct her shot on target while at full stretch.

Bristol City then produced a chance for themselves, but Sophie Harris saved excellently from Humphrey’s point-blank effort.

Albion continued to push until the final whistle, but were unable to find the goal their performance deserved.

Next up for Albion is the FA Women’s Super League clash against Birmingham City at the People’s Pension Stadium on 20th February.

ALBION: Harris; Barton, F. Whelan, Williams, Gibons; Peplow, Buet; Green, Connolly, A. Whelan; Umotong (Brazil 76).

SUBS NOT USED: Hartley (GK), Natkiel, Nilden, Legg, Simpkins, Hack.

Tickets are on sale for Albion’s next home FA Women’s Super League match against Birmingham City on Wednesday 20th February. Visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com/tickets to buy yours now.