We’re still confident of staying up, says City boss Oxtoby

BRISTOL City Women have yet to register a league victory this season but manager Tanya Oxtoby is still confident they will stay in the Women’s Super League.

City were thrashed 6-1 by Manchester United Women in their final game of 2020, with Ebony Salmon scoring the side’s only goal.

But, despite being at the bottom of the table, Oxtoby still has belief in her side’s survival prospects, having been in a similar position last season.

“We’re still confident, we are only one point off where we were this time last year,” said Oxtoby.

“We still have Brighton to play and we had players back on Sunday and others coming back. We are a point off where we were this time last year.”

Two excellent goals each from Leah Galton and Tobin Heath sealed the result for United, with Jess Sigsworth and Millie Turner also on the scoresheet for the home side.

City scored with 20 minutes to go thanks to Salmon, after her initial shot was saved by Mary Earps.

Oxtoby was pleased with how her were able to create chances against the leaders.

“Individual brilliance was the difference today, but there were positives for us,” Oxtoby added.

“Manchester United have that quality and they are top for a reason. They scored some great goals, but from our perspective we were disappointed with the set-pieces we conceded. But two strikes were worldies and we just have to cop that on the chin.

“We mentioned the chances we had at half-time. We had two at the start of each half and if we take them, then the momentum shifts and it impacts on Manchester United.

“There are things to learn from but we created chances against the top team in the league.”