‘We’re just at the start of something’
LAUREN Smith is determined that Bristol City will continue to build their fanbase despite suffering relegation from the Women’s Super League on Sunday evening.
The Robins held out for more than an hour against the table-topping stars of Manchester City, but eventually fell to a 4-0 defeat which sends them back to the Women’s Championship with two matches to spare.
After laying siege to the Robins goal, the visitors finally broke through thanks to Mary Fowler’s 20-yard strike before the same player netted a second, Amy Rogers skewed in an own goal and Alex Greenwood made it four.
Despite the defeat and relegation, Robins boss Smith, right, was proud of the performance of her players against the title challengers.
She told the official Bristol City social media channels: “We were excellent for 60-something minutes, and even with the goals, I think we played our hearts out.
“I was really pleased to keep Man City at bay for the first 45 minutes. They were struggling to find a way through, and we used the ball well and stayed forward for longer. The players really deserve credit, they were excellent.”
The defeat means Bristol City have not earned a single point at home this season, but that has not stopped them welcoming passionate crowds to Ashton Gate, which will continue to host their matches in the Women’s Championship next season.
Smith added: “The fans have been unbelievable this season and I’m so proud of that. We have to continue to build and make sure our fanbase is as incredible next year as it is now. We will be looking to continue this trend and build the excitement in Bristol.
“I think it is brilliant (to continue to play at Ashton Gate next season), I’m so pleased that the club has backed the team. We are just at the start of something, regardless of what league we are going to be in.”
Manchester City lead Chelsea by six points with games against Arsenal and Aston Villa to play. Chelsea have four matches left, against Liverpool, Bristol City, Spurs and Manchester United.