A crowd of 1,889 made the trip to Ashton Gate Stadium on Monday night as Bristol City Women welcomed Everton Women in the Fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Both teams won their Fourth round games against Championship teams by only one goal. A wonder strike from Everton’s Inessa Kaagman saw them beat London Bees, whilst Durham pushed Bristol City to extra time where Katie Robinson finally broke the deadlock.
The game didn’t start well for the Toffees, as Gabby George went down injured inside the first minute. There was a long delay as she was treated and stretchered off the field, forcing the first change of the game. Dutch international Kika Van Es came on to replace her.
When the game restarted it didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken. Everton opened the scoring through ex-Vixen, Captain Lucy Graham just before the 10 minute mark. Bristol, who currently have an extensive injury list, were playing several players out of their regular positions, especially in midfield, and didn’t seem to be able to connect or maintain possession.
Everton’s second goal was the result of a corner. The in-swinging ball was met by the head of Esme Morgan, who was able to nod it into the net from close range, giving the visitors an early 2 goal lead. Bristol were then also forced to make a first half substitution as Gemma Evans was unable to continue, potentially adding to their injury burden. She was replaced by Flo Allen.
Everton continued the half as the much stronger team, adding a third goal before the half. A strong header from Graham beat keeper Sophie Baggaley as she got her second of the night.
Going into the break 3 goals down, if Bristol wanted to close the gap in the game, they would need a massive second half.
The Toffees started the second half very much like the first, opening the scoring once again within 10 minutes. Inessa Kaagman latched onto a through ball and poked in the fourth goal, putting the tie to bed.
Everton’s dominating performance continued, with Bristol still struggling to maintain possession or create any chances. After breaking down a rare attack, second half sub Hannah Cain broke free from defenders and an acrobatic effort found the back of the net to add a fifth goal for Everton.
The whistle blew on the game with Everton running out 5-0 winners; cruising through to the next round of the cup. They will now face Chelsea Women at home in the Quarter Finals on Sunday 15th March.
Bristol City Women Supporters Group founder and Since 71 writer Rich Paish had this to say after the game …
‘After a brave, committed & combative performance at the Academy Stadium midweek against Manchester City we were expecting more of the same under the lights at Ashton Gate in front of a decent crowd; mainly made up of young fans and families hoping to be inspired and wanting to come back for more. What we got however was a spineless performance where Bristol never got going and were caught like a rabbit in the headlines. We now need to lick our wounds and go to Birmingham in a must win, season defining WSL game. It is somewhat alarming that Tanya Oxtoby admitted she has nothing more to give the team and if they fail to grab all 3 points in Solihull I feel her position will be untenable and the club must make a change of manager. We look forward to travelling to Birmingham to support the girls and cover the match.’
Bristol City Women: Baggaley, Evans (Allen, 19), Brown (C), Pattison, Salmon, Daniels, Wellings, Ga-Eul (Wynne, 58) Robinson, Chance, Bryson.
Subs: Cumings, Jones.
Everton: Korpela, Turner, George (Van Es, 5), Boye-Hlorkah, Kaagman, Kelly (Pike, 62), Morgan, Cain, Graham (C) (Stringer, 70), Finnigan, Clemaron.
Subs: Levell, Mciver, Hinds, Magill.