Bristol City hosted Southampton at Ashton Gate in the WSL2, securing a 2-1 victory to bring the visitors’ nine-match league unbeaten run to an end.
The hosts were on the front foot within seconds of kick-off, testing Southampton goalkeeper Grace Moloney with an early effort. However, the Republic of Ireland international was equal to it, making the save to keep the scores level.
Southampton soon took possession, with vice-captain Megan Collett attempting to find striker Freya Jupp with a lofted pass. However, the ball was overhit and comfortably gathered by Bristol City goalkeeper Francesca Bentley.
The visitors continued to push forward and were rewarded moments later. Bentley’s attempted pass out from the back was intercepted by Ellie Brazil, who made a darting run to beat the intended recipient, Esther Morgan.
Brazil then drove forward before playing the ball into the path of Jupp, who needed just one touch to finish from just over 12 yards and give Southampton the lead with less than 45 seconds on the clock.
The Saints continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the first half, but could only take a one-goal advantage into the break. Bristol City gradually grew into the game defensively and enjoyed spells of possession, although they were unable to turn their opportunities into an equaliser.
The Robins emerged from the interval with renewed energy and immediately looked to take the game to Southampton as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 56th minute when captain Emily Syme’s effort was saved by Moloney. However, the Southampton goalkeeper was unable to hold onto the ball, allowing Lotta Lindstrom to react quickest and calmly convert the rebound to bring Bristol City level.
The two sides then traded chances in an entertaining period of back-and-forth action, with possession shared between the teams as both searched for the decisive goal.
It was Bristol City who eventually found it in the 79th minute.
Esther Morgan delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the Southampton box, and after two touches, the ball found its way into the back of the net, with Sophie Ingle getting the final touch to register her first goal of the season and complete the comeback.
Southampton pushed forward in search of an equaliser after falling behind, but despite their efforts, including a late penalty appeal, the visitors were unable to find a way through for a second time.
FT: Bristol City Women 2-1 Southampton Women
Southampton’s nine-match unbeaten run in the WSL2 came to an end at Ashton Gate as Bristol City completed a comeback victory after falling behind inside the opening minute.
The two sides will meet again in Bristol after the international break in the Women’s League Cup, with the Robins beginning their campaign in the competition before travelling to Charlton the following Wednesday for their second fixture.
Southampton, meanwhile, will play their third Women’s League Cup fixture when they return from Bristol to host WSL side Crystal Palace at the Silverlake Stadium on the same Wednesday.
