BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 4 SUNDERLAND A.F.C LADIES

Published by Sam Hardwell (@HardwellSam)

26th July 2015

Bristol Academy slipped to heavy defeat against Sunderland Ladies as Carlton Fairweather’s clinical side punished the Vixens’ mistakes in ruthless fashion.

CHRONOLOGICAL MATCH REPORT:

Willie Kirk made four adjustments following his sides 4-0 victory away to Aston Villa Ladies in the week, with Marije Brummel making her full league debut and top goal-scorer Jade Sayo returning to the XI. In contrast, Sunderland Ladies boss Carlton Fairweather made five changes to his sides midweek continental cup win (1-2) away to North-East rivals Durham.

In what was a quiet opening to the game, it was the Vixens who came closest to scoring early on. Caroline Weir, who scored a stunning 45-yard strike in the week, sent a free-kick inches wide of the right-hand post.

However, it was the Black Cats who found the opener courtesy of top goal-scorer Bethany Mead. The striker latching onto a through-ball from Stephanie Roche that seemed to confuse both Hayley Ladd and Marije Brummmel, as the pass somehow managed to find its way through the pair.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 1 SUNDERLAND LADIES (Bethany Mead, 22 mins)

Following Meads’ goal, the Vixens looked for an immediate response and almost got it. When Jade Soya failed to control a Nadia Lawrence cross, it was Christie Murray who found her eventual shot blocked by a strong and resilient Sunderland defence.

Through most of the first-half, Sunderland’s Roche seemed to find time and space with regularity. Again, it was she who put through Mead via the right-wing, however, Mary Earps did well to block and the Vixens eventually cleared the danger.

The pendulum seemed to fall in the Vixens’ favour when ‘keeper Hilde Olsen scuffed her first-time clearance – Academy skipper Sophie Ingle picked out an unmarked Jade Soyo who took a touch before dispatching the ball into the back of the net with a composed right-foot finish.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 1 SUNDERLAND LADIES (Jade Sayo, 39 mins)

Sunderland looked for an eager reply before the interval. Kelly McDougall twice trying her luck from range in the space of just three-minutes, but failed to hit the target on both occasions.

HALF-TIME: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 1 SUNDERLAND LADIES 

Much like the first-half, it was the Vixens who looked more likely to find the breakthrough from kick-off. Great link up play between Murray and Lawrence resulting in an instinctive first-time shot via Ingle, but again being struck by a green jersey.

When the Vixens failed to clear a Sunderland corner; captain Stephanie Bannon was in the right place at the right time to bundle the ball home. This despite the efforts of both Frankie Brown and Caroline Weir to block the initial effort in what was an almighty scramble on the line.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 2 SUNDERLAND LADIES (Stephanie Bannon, 50 mins)

Just a minute later, the Vixens came agonisingly close to an equaliser – Sophie Ingle flicking her header just wide of Olsen’s right-hand post via the corner from the right.

Sunderland Ladies Substitution: Emma Kelly replaces Stephanie Roche (64 mins)

On her full league debut, Christie Murray looked to be a breath of fresh air for the Academy, operating just behind forward Jade Soya. It was Murray who hit the crossbar in the 66th minute after taking the ball in her stride 28-yards from goal. The ball eventually being tipped over after Ingle struck the ball just outside the box from a central position.

Sunderland Ladies Substitution: Sarah McFadden replaces Kelly McDougall (68 mins)

Bristol Academy Substitutions: Lauren Townsend replaces Loren Dykes, Angharad James replaces Nadia Lawrence, Tatiana Pinto replaces Frankie Brown (70 mins)

A triple substitution by Bristol Academy boss Willie Kirk almost paid dividend – midfielder Angharad James somehow scuttled her way down a crammed Sunderland byeline, almost forcing an own-goal from Black Cats defender Bannon who just managed to clear for a corner.

As time ticked away in the second half, the Vixens struggled to pressure the visitors’ goal – the Sunderland midfielders keeping control of the ball fairly comfortably. This proved as Earps flapped at a cross from the right by Kiera Ramshaw and substitute Emma Kelly tapped the ball into an unguarded net from 13-yards out.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 3 SUNDERLAND LADIES (Emma Kelly 81 mins)

Just three-minutes later, a well crafted move by Sunderland ended any hopes of a Vixens revival. Ramshaw again picking out goal-scorer Emma Kelly who unselfishly squared the ball to Bathany Mead for her second of the game.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 4 SUNDERLAND LADIES (Bethany Mead, 83 mins)

Despite the score-line, the Vixens were brave to commit players forward in search of a consolation. Substitute Tatiana Pinto did well to connect with her overhead kick, however, it was yet again a green jersey to frustrate a dejected Bristol Academy side.

Sunderland Ladies Substitution: Emma Wilson replaces Bethany Mead (91+1 mins)

FULL-TIME: BRISTOL ACADEMY 1 – 4 SUNDERLAND LADIES

Bristol Academy: Earps, Dykes (Townsend), Caroline Weir, Lawrence (James), Ladd, Murray, Sayo, Ingle (c), Brummel, Brown (Pinto), Evans.

Subs Not Used: Popadinova, Passariello, Reid, Short.

Sunderland A.F.C Ladies: Olsen, Holmes, Greenwell, Bannon (C), Williams, Furness, Chaplen, McDougall (McFadden), Ramshaw, Roche (Kelly), Mead (Wilson).

Subs Not Used: Laws, Sharp, Joice, McFadden.

Referee: Chris Smith

Assistants: Daniel Ghent & Benjamin Morris

4th Official: Jozsef Madaras

WOTM: Caroline Weir

Attendance: 331

BRISTOL ACADMEMY 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN

Sat 18 July 2015

Report by Sam Hardwell

Bristol Academy fell to The Blues – who now move up to 5th in the WSL – as a double from forward Toni Duggan helped ensure Nick Cushing’s side the three-points.

CHRONOLOGICAL MATCH REPORT:

Manchester City Women’s manager Nick Cushing featured four heroines of this years World Cup. However, it was the combination of both Nikita Parris and Krystle Johnston who created the first clear opportunity on the 15-minute mark for City. Fine footwork from the lively Parris, wiggling her way down the byeline, eventually cutting the ball back to Johnston on the edge of the box who pulled a left-footed effort wide of Mary Earps’ right-hand post.

Earps was called into action not long after, as an inswinging delivery from Isobel Christiansen troubled the Vixens defence with the England Under-23 shot stopper doing enough to palm the ball away for a corner.

New signing Nadia Lawrence, playing wide left surged with regularity throughout the game; however, after beating England World Cup star Lucy Bronze, she eventually scuffed her and Bristol’s first shot on target with Karen Bardsley gathering comfortably.

Steph Houghton saw plenty of the ball from deep for the Blues. It was the England skipper who switched the play to Nikita Parris on the left, eventually pulling the ball back to Tonni Duggan who struck the ball from the edge of the box into the top right-hand corner. Earps left stranded with no chance after what looks to be one of the contenders for goal of the season.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 1 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN (Tonni Duggan, 29 mins)

The Vixens rallied, Angharad James hitting just over with a first time right-footed effort from the edge of the box following great build up play by Frankie Brown which drew spirited appreciation from the Academy faithful.

The Academy were enduring their best spell of the game so far prior to the 40-minute mark, as Tatiana Pinto headed over and Coroline Weir could only find the gloves of Karen Bardsley with a long-range effort.

The Vixens almost gave themselves a mountain to climb just before the half-time whistle, as Bronze and Parris combined well down the right for City. It was Parris who was put through with plenty of room to manoeuvre towards goal, but was brilliantly halted in her tracks by the ever brave Hayley Ladd.

HALF-TIME: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 1 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN

Despite a narrow score line separating both sides, it was the Blues who were in search for goal number two early on in the second-half, as goalscorer Duggan struck the upright after Earps flapped at a cross from the City right. The ball eventually finding its way to Christiansen, but the former Birmingham player could only find the safe hands of ‘keeper Earps after the second time of asking.

Houghton yet again being the orchestrater for the Blues, as another breathtaking Hollywood pass by the 27-year-old found Duggan who flicked the ball into the path of Christiansen in on goal, but found her low effort well saved by the diving feet of Earps just 10-yards from goal. Bronze eventually driving her shot wide from the edge of the box as a result of the corner.

Bristol Academy Substitution: Tatiana Pinto replaced by Christie Murray (55 mins)

Half the ground thought City had their second of the game as Christiansen struck the bar yet again for the visitors after the Vixens defence failed to clear on the edge of their own box. The Academy faithful watched on with their hearts in their mouths, however, they continued to encourage their side for the equaliser they needed.

At the other end, Georgia Evans met an outswinging delivery from the Academy right, only to head straight at Bardsley between the sticks for City from the penalty-spot.

Manchester City Women’s Substitution: Krystle Johnston replaced by Daphe Carboz (65 mins)

City’s persistence in the second-half eventually paid off, but with a hint of fortune. The corner from Christiansen looked to have been scuffed and somehow managed to find its way back into the box falling to Parris, who eventually found Duggan to tap home passed the despairing dive of Earps.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 2 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN (Tonni Duggan, 68 mins)

As the game wore on midway throughout the second-half, City’s qualities were on show, not allowing the Vixens a sniff of the ball and brilliant direct running by box-to-box midfielder Jill Scott who caused the Academy problems all night. However, Parris  pulled a shot wide of the post from the edge of the box after more hard work from Duggan.

Bristol Academy Substitution: Georgia Evans is replaced by Evdokia Popadinova (75 mins)

City were letting their dominance get to their heads, and showed when Duggan tried a rather speculative effort from almost 40-yards from goal which was always rising and brought ironic cheers from the home supporters.

As City looked to kill the game off, Duggan almost claimed her hat-trick if it wasn’t for yet another stupendous save by Earps, reaching a curling shot which was destined for the far corner. Parris eventually finding the hands of the young keeper to relieve the relentless pressure.

Despite the Vixens’ hard work off the ball, it was City who found their third rounding off some brilliant intricate play on the edge of the box with Daphe Corboz scoring with great composure on her debut after signing from George Town University earlier this month.

GOAL: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 3 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN (Daphe Corboz, 77 mins)

Only but a minute later, City should have had a fourth and a hat-trick for Duggan as she ran clear in on goal after a terrible back-pass by the Academy defence. However, she could only pull her shot wide with everyone in a red jersey looking around each other.

For all the effort and desire, the Vixens could not find their way through what was a water-tight Manchester City defence. Weir trying her luck from range, but could only result in the referee blowing up for the end to the high-tempo Women’s Super League game.

FULL-TIME: BRISTOL ACADEMY 0 – 3 MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN

BRISTOL ACADEMY: Earps, Dykes, Weir, Lawrence, Ladd, Ingle (c), James, Brown, Pinto, Evans, Short.

Subs: Townsend, Murray, Brummel, Popadinova, Reid (GK), Jones

MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN: Bardsley, Bronze, Stokes, Beattie, Houghton (c), Johnston, Scott, Duggan, Christiansen, Parris, Radtke

Subs: Corboz, Brooks (GK), Lipman, Brougham, McManus

Referee: Adrian Quelch

Assistants: Michael Ballard & Christopher Manning

4th Official: Martin Tudor

WOTM: Mary Earps

Attendance: 946

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

By Sam Hardwell,

@HardwellSam

Current Burnley shot-stopper Tom Heaton earns surprise England call-up after having his Premier League dream short lived after just a single season in the top flight with the Clarets.

Heaton and his Burnley side conceded 53 goals in the 14-15 Premier League season, but England boss Roy Hodgson has overlooked the statistics and has stuck by his decision to call-up the Chester born goalkeeper.

Heaton finds his name alongside a more experienced England pairing between the sticks in both Robert Green and Joe Hart, which indicates minutes maybe limited for the ex-Cardiff and Bristol City keeper. However, he has described the call-up as “indescribable”.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and pretty much everything since I started playing has been geared towards trying to get there.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees when you got relegated, but it certainly feels a long way away from that feeling now.”

Heaton praised by Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche

The former Manchester United youth product will be no stranger to a Wembley appearance, if in Hodgson’s future plans, after making an incredible 2012 Carling Cup Final performance for his former Cardiff City side against Liverpool.

It was Heaton himself who helped the Bluebirds on their way to Wembley with two penalty saves in the semi-final versus now Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Heaton proved to be a real pest between the sticks for penalty takers, as he frustrated Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the shoot-out with a stupendous save… Maybe something England require in their woeful penalty shoot-out record?

Heaton will now take matters into his own hands (literally) when England travel to the Republic of Ireland on June 7th.

The friendly will be a chance for new comers such as Heaton to make a claim for their place in the XI, as the squad then travel to Slovenia on June 14th in a European Championship Qualifier.

QPR forward Charlie Austin and Leicester’s Luke Vardy have also been selected in Roy Hodgson’s XI.

All three players will be looking to impress in order to consolidate their places for their beloved country.

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

Bristol City Season Review: Over Productive

By Sam Hardwell

Twitter: @HardwellSam

Bristol City have endured a more than remarkable 14-15 season in all, but they must make sure their over confidence does not become their weakness going into a competitive Sky Bet Championship.

Everything the Robins seemed to do in the 14-15 promotion season, they did in style and flair. With a 2-0 victory in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley over Walsall, it was only a sign of things to come…

Bristol City went on to win promotion in a thrilling 6-0 win away to Bradford City and eventually claimed the title at home to Coventry, where a 0-0 draw was more than enough to lift the trophy at Ashton Gate on the 19th April. It was the first time the club won a league since 1955.

The side from the South West eventually finished the season on 99-points, which included an epic 8-2 victory on the final day at home to Football League Trophy runners-up Walsall. Centre back Aden Flint, of all people, bagging a hat-trick for the League One champions.

With the 3-5-2 system used by Lois Van Gaal’s Holland squad in the 2014 World Cup, some managers seemed inspired to embrace the formation. Gaffer Steve Cotterill has done exactly that with his Bristol City side, seemingly suiting the system better than any other side in the country. However, will it be a case of adapting to life in the Championship with an alternate philosophy or keeping the momentum from last season going?

However the Robins will set up for the 15-16 Championship champagne, it’s easy to get carried away following the over achievement of a double trophy for the club in the previous season, especially for some…

With the Robins 5/1 to win promotion to the Barclays Premier League and a severnside derby on the arisen, perhaps it’s the neutrals playing down the spirits of those in red.

In terms of transfers, it would appear that the Robins will look to offload before bringing anyone into the club with forward Jay Emmanual-Thomas looking to join goalkeeper Dave Richards through the exit door this summer.

“It was very sad really, I’ve been a big supporter for Jay. When people look at him and see his laid-back style and then suggest he doesn’t care – it’s the total opposite.” Cotterill told the clubs official website.

“I know there are potentially a few people interested in him. I’ve spoken to people about him in the last few weeks and I’ve told them what a wonderful character he is.”

The club are rumoured in keeping tabs on talented young target man Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United and Newport County’s Regan Poole. With City scouts watching the 16-year-old whilst on tour with Liverpool’s Under 18’s, the talented defender is also being looked at by boyhood club Cardiff City as well as Manchester United and Fulham.

It is yet to be decided where Cotterill and his Bristol City side will spend their pre-season tour, but has indicated he plans a two-week trip abroad.

The Robins have announced pre-season games to play Western League sides Brislington and Keynsham Town at Ironmould Lane on Sunday, July 5.

How do you think the Robins will fair in the Sky Bet Championship?

By Sam Hardwell

Twitter: @HardwellSam

Bristol Academy Triumph Over Spanish Giants Barcelona

Champions League, UEFA, Barcelona, these are just numerous aspects that footballing fans within Bristol would never of have thought to be associated with their home town club! Yes, it was the Bristol Woman’s side, but the competition shouldn’t be underestimated whatsoever, they have achieved what the men’s team never could on a chili night at Aston Gate with a crowd of 2,457.

Bristol, who lead one nil at the start of the night following the reverse fixture in Barcelona knew they had something to protect. Although, going into a 90 plus minute match sitting back protecting what you have is always a dangerous tactic, but at the same time, can be frustrating for the opposition. In the first half with nothing much for Bristol to celebrate, they were undone via a controversial free-kick conceded on the edge of their own box. The original shot was blocked with the rebound struck by Vicky Losada and deflected in off Bristol’s very unfortunate Loren Dykes just before the halftime break.

Bristol came out a different team in the second period, whatever Vixens manager Dave Edmondson told them proved to be taking effect when Bristol’s Spanish international Natalia Pablos hit the crossbar from all of 40 yards from goal. This was just a statement of intent from the only English side left in the competition as they tested the gloves of Barca’ keeper Laura Ràfols on several occasions.

Barcelona Feminine however were forced into a rare long range effort themselves, Virginia Reyes trying her luck brought a standing ovation from the Bristol Academy faithful with what was a brilliant save from the Bristol Academy number one stopper.

With the game looking like it was to be heading to extra time, Bristol’s hard work paid off with lovely patient build up play. Starting from the back eventually being switched to Harding on the right who cut inside the box and went down under a more than a clumsy challenge, resulting in a penalty which was converted with ease by Nikki Watts.

Towards the end of the game, Barcelona ditched their ticki-taka style of play and made sure everything went into the Bristol box. Despite relentless pressure and a goal-line clearance, Bristol saw the game out and fully deserved the plaudits.

The victory means that Bristol Academy progress to the Champions League quarter finals for the first time in their history and as the last English team in the competition. They are set to earn £39,000 from their progression in the Champions League and Edmondson is hoping the financial benefits have a positive effect on his squad.

“We caught them out in Barcelona, but they (Barca’) looked very confidant in coming here.” Edmondson told BBC Bristol Sport.

Edmondson, who was appointed in January following the departure of current England manager Mark Sampson, added: “Having a crowd of 2,500 here tonight is almost as big as being in the next round. There won’t be many who have left tonight not thinking ‘I wouldn’t mind seeing that again.'”

Bristol Academy have been drawn to play FFC Frankfurt in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which will be played late March of 2015. The winner will meet either Linkopings FC or Brondby IF in the semi-final.

Article By,

Sam Hardwell

My Colour Shots Of Bristol Academy v Barcelona:

Below contains captured video footage by myself and another team member, also edited from a Champions League tie at Ashton Gate: