That’s all from me!
I’ll leave you with an updated version of the WSL table. Thanks for joining me! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City Women | 20 | 46 | 52 |
| 2 | Chelsea Women | 18 | 39 | 46 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 20 | 27 | 44 |
| 4 | Man Utd Women | 20 | 17 | 35 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 19 | 2 | 32 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 19 | -6 | 27 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 20 | -16 | 21 |
| 8 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 20 | -16 | 19 |
| 9 | Everton Women | 20 | -17 | 19 |
| 10 | Leicester Women | 20 | -15 | 17 |
| 11 | West Ham Women | 20 | -23 | 14 |
| 12 | Bristol City Women | 20 | -38 | 6 |
Bristol City have confirmed that all of the club’s home games will still be played at Ashton Gate next season.
We can confirm we will continue to play our home games at Ashton Gate next season, with Season Tickets on sale online from 10am tomorrow.
— Bristol City Women (@bristolcitywfc) April 28, 2024
Read more: 👇
Crystal Palace were promoted to the WSL this afternoon. Laura Kaminski’s side clinched the Championship title with a 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
“At the start of the season there were a lot of changes,” captain Aimee Everett told BBC Sport. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone expected this would have been the outcome, but this is what everyone wanted to achieve.”
Here’s a look at Mary Fowler’s opening goal…
An exceptional strike from Mary Fowler 🔥⚡ pic.twitter.com/3FXYDQeS7o
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) April 28, 2024
Bristol City manager Lauren Smith tells Sky Sports: “I think we have been sat at the bottom of the table for the season. It has always been a mountain to climb so that’s what we’ve been fighting against. Some of the performances we have been very proud of but haven’t got the results. I think we have showed up but we haven’t showed up for 90 minutes week in, week out and that’s the difference.”
“We have to start looking at what next year looks like. 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.
“We talk about the journey a lot of the time. This is part of that journey for them. We have two more games and many more seasons ahead. Everything they have done this season they can be proud of and that is experience. If this makes them better, that’s part of the development we do here.”
Manchester City winger Mary Fowler tells Sky Sports: “The only pressure we felt was the pressure we put on ourselves. We are in the title race and expect more from ourselves and in the first half we weren’t finishing our chances.”
“It feels really good to get more game time. I try to bring my best to the team and having been on the side for a while I just try to stay focused in training and be a good team mate on the side.”
Updated
Gordon has emailed in to say: “Commiserations to Bristol City, I hope they bounce back soon. Mary Fowler rescued Man City tonight from a disastrous result. But with Chelsea still to play Bristol City, I feel the Cityzens have not capitalised enough tonight - the title is likely to be won on GD.”
Bristol City’s time in the WSL has come to an end. They can no longer catch up with 11th-placed West Ham. It was a valiant effort from Lauren Smith’s side in the first half, but the floodgates opened following Mary Fowler’s 62nd-minute strike.
Meanwhile, Manchester City continue their title charge, piling the pressure on Chelsea. Those four goals could prove to be crucial come the final day of the campaign next month.
Full-time: Bristol City 0-4 Manchester City
Bristol’s relegation to the Championship is confirmed.
Updated
GOAL! Bristol 0-4 Manchester City (Greenwood, 99)
Greenwood scores her first goal of the season with a header at the back post. That could be crucial for Manchester City’s title charge.
Updated
90+6 min: Another cross is sent into the box, this time from Hemp. Struck heads it clear, but only as far as Kelly who unleashes a powerful strike. The winger’s shot flies narrowly over the crossbar and into the crowd.
90+4 min: Manchester City are pushing for a fourth. Kelly crosses the ball into the six-yard box, but it just runs away from Hemp before she can go for goal.
90+1 min: Eight minutes have been added on.
89 min: Bristol make another change. Sille Struck is on to replace Aspin. Meanwhile, Casparij is able to play on.
87 min: Casparij is currently down and receiving treatment from the Manchester City medics following an accidental knee to the back of the head from Napier.
84 min: I don’t think Bristol have challenged Keating since the break. Manchester City have barely let the hosts out of their own half.
82 min: The floodgates appear to have opened. Heartbreaking for Bristol City who have played so well up until this point. But it was only a matter of time for the visitors. Gareth Taylor’s side have dominated this second half.
78 min: Kelly crosses the ball into the box and Hemp heads it across the six-yard box, but Rodgers sticks out a leg to deflect it into her own net.
That’s game, set and match. Bristol’s fate has been sealed. The hosts are heading back down to the Championship.
GOAL! Bristol 0-3 Manchester City (Rodgers OG, 77)
And just like that, it’s three!
Updated
76 min: Hemp sends a fantastic cross into the box from the right and Fowler gets a foot on it to deflect the ball on target!
GOAL! Bristol 0-2 Manchester City (Fowler, 75)
Fowler doubles Manchester City’s advantage with 15 minutes left to play!
Has Bristol’s fate been sealed now?
73 min: Both teams make another change, with Laura Blindkilde Brown replacing Coombs for Manchester City.
Lisa Evans replaces Furness for the hosts.
71 min: Manchester City have a corner. The ball is sent into the box and Aleixandri goes for goal with a header, but her effort is comfortably saved by Yanez.
68 min: Substitution for Bristol as Layzell makes way for Mari Ward.
66 min: Thestrup has just been seen on the Bristol City bench with an ice pack on her neck, likely from that collision with Keating earlier. The Manchester City goalkeeper also appears to be feeling the effects, she is currently down receiving treatment.
63 min: Fowler receives the ball from Hasegawa in midfield before unleashing a powerful strike from over 25 yards out. It flies straight into the top-left corner, giving Yanez no chance of making the save.
Bristol defended brilliantly up until that point, but they gave Fowler far too much space there.
GOAL! Bristol 0-1 Manchester City (Fowler, 62)
Fowler breaks the deadlock in spectacular style!
Updated
58 min: I don’t know how they’re doing this, but Bristol are STILL keeping the visitors at bay. Three defenders throw themselves in front of goal to block a shot before the ball falls to Park. The midfielder shoots, but Yanez makes the save. Incredible!
55 min: Hemp comes inches away from breaking the deadlock. Fowler does well to get into the box from the left before driving the ball across to Hemp at the back post, but the England star’s shot runs just wide!
The drums here at Ashton Gate are really adding to the dramatic atmosphere!
54 min: Bristol continue to defend brilliantly, with Bull throwing her body in the way to block a cross from Hemp.
This is some performance from the hosts!
52 min: Another chance for Manchester City as Kelly goes for goal inside the box, but Bull manages to block the shot. A big let-off for the hosts.
50 min: Park looks to cross the ball into the box from the right, but her pass is cut out by Connolly and Bristol can clear the danger.
49 min: Bristol have a corner. Connolly sends the ball into the box and Furness gets her head to it, but can’t direct her effort on target.
47 min: Both teams made some changes at the break, with Kerstin Casparij replacing Kennedy for Manchester City.
For Bristol, Carrie Jones has replaced Thestrup and Morgan has made way for Abi Harrison.
Kick-off: Bristol City 0-0 Manchester City
We’re back under way at Ashton Gate!
While we wait for the second half to start, make sure you’re subscribed to Moving the Goalposts, our FREE women’s football newsletter.
I don’t think anyone expected Bristol to get anything from this game, but they could come away with a point – maybe even more. Manchester City have lacked a cutting edge in front of goal so far, perhaps partly due to the absence of Khadija Shaw.
Gordon has messaged in to say: “Man City have been superb in their most recent games but tonight - so far - is a regression. Very much missing Bunny Shaw. They need to change, I’d like to see Hemp in the middle and Kelly on the wing. I’d also like to see Filippa Angeldahl come on, a regular starter for Sweden but strangely neglected by City.”
Half-time: Bristol City 0-0 Manchester City
Bristol manager Lauren Smith will be absolutely thrilled with that first-half performance. Gareth Taylor, not so much.
Updated
45+6 min: Hemp comes close with arguably the best chance of the match so far. Park crosses the ball into the box from the left and the winger makes a late run in at the back post, but her header is saved by Yanez!
45+4 min: Manchester City are really pushing for that opening goal as we approach half-time. Fowler goes for goal, but Yanez makes the save. It runs back out to Kelly who shoots again, but the goalkeeper can claim it.
45+2 min: Ouahabi goes for goal from the edge of the box, but it’s an easy save for Yanez.
45+1 min: Six minutes have been added on…
44 min: Napier wins a free kick on the left following a challenge from Hemp. It is delivered into the box, but Fowler eventually clears.
42 min: Manchester City have a corner and it is played short. Hasegawa eventually sends a cross into the box and Kennedy goes for goal, but her headed effort flies over the crossbar.
40 min: The visitors have been in desperate search of an opening so far, but they just can’t find one. Five minutes to go now until half-time.
37 min: Both players have been cleared to play on following that collision. Manchester City are handed the ball for the restart.
35 min: Thestrup and Keating are both sitting up now after that horrible collision. Startup is warming up for the visitors.
33 min: Another big opportunity for Bristol as the ball is crossed into a very dangerous area. Keating comes out in an attempt to collect it, but collides heavily with Thestrup.
This looks quite serious for both players.
31 min: Manchester City have a corner and the ball is crossed into the box by Fowler. There are several blue shirts in there, but Yanez punches it clear.
The Bristol goalkeeper has been brilliant so far this evening.
30 min: Chance for Bristol as Thestrup is pulled down by Kennedy. The referee signals to play on, but the hosts can’t complete the attack.
29 min: Manchester City are yet to break the deadlock in this crucial WSL clash.
Gordon has emailed in to say: “Man City making heavy weather of this vital match against modest opposition. Chances are coming - mainly thanks to Hasegawa’s first-touch passing - but the finishing has been poor so far.”
Updated
26 min: Yanez is able to continue for now, much to the relief of the home fans.
25 min: There’s some concern for Bristol as Yanez goes to ground with what looks like a glute issue. She is receiving treatment from the physios.
23 min: Another chance for City as Kelly makes a run down the right before crossing the ball into the box. Coombs directs it into the path of Hemp with her first touch and the winger goes for goal, but her effort is off-target.
21 min: Coombs receives the ball again before going for goal from outside the box, but it’s an easy save for Yanez.
20 min: Coombs receives the ball from Greenwood in midfield, turns and plays it through to Kelly, but there is a bit too much power on the pass. A good opportunity for the visitors.
18 min: Chance for Man City as Fowler carries the ball into the box before playing a short pass to Hemp. The winger goes for goal, but her effort deflects off two players and Yanez can collect.
15 min: Lauren Smith will be very happy with the way this game has gone so far. The game plan seems to be working at the moment – Bristol haven’t given too much away, which is exactly what the manager was hoping for.
12 min: Fowler makes a run down the right before squaring the ball across goal. Kelly goes for goal but her effort flies wide.
9 min: Bristol go on the attack now as Napier makes a run towards the box, Park gets a tackle in but the ball falls to the feet of Rodgers who goes for goal. Greenwood can make the block and clearance, but it hits the referee and play is briefly stopped for a drop ball.
7 min: Another chance for Manchester City as Fowler receives the ball on the right from Kelly. She sends a low driven cross into the box and it takes a few deflections before Yanez collects.
5 min: Chance for Manchester City as Greenwood receives the ball in defence and sends it over too Coombs, who sets up Hemp on the edge of the box. The winger goes for goal but her effort flies well wide.
3 min: Kennedy sends a long pass over to Hemp on the left, who sets the ball inside to Coombs. The midfielder looks to cross it into the box towards Fowler’s direction, but Bristol manage to clear the danger.
1 min: Bristol come flying out of the blocks as Thestrup looks to win a corner within the opening minute, but Manchester City are awarded a goal kick instead.
Kick-off
We’re under way in Bristol! A huge 90 minutes ahead for both teams.
Just over five minutes to go until kick-off at Ashton Gate. Don’t forget you can email in throughout the match – I’ll be with you all evening!
Elsewhere in the WSL today
Everton 1-1 Arsenal
Tottenham 1-1 Brighton
Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham
Leicester 0-1 Man Utd
Here’s how the table looks ahead of today’s match…
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City Women | 19 | 42 | 49 |
| 2 | Chelsea Women | 18 | 39 | 46 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 20 | 27 | 44 |
| 4 | Man Utd Women | 20 | 17 | 35 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 19 | 2 | 32 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 19 | -6 | 27 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 20 | -16 | 21 |
| 8 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 20 | -16 | 19 |
| 9 | Everton Women | 20 | -17 | 19 |
| 10 | Leicester Women | 20 | -15 | 17 |
| 11 | West Ham Women | 20 | -23 | 14 |
| 12 | Bristol City Women | 19 | -34 | 6 |
Bristol City will be relegated to the Championship if they fail to beat Manchester City this evening.
Discussing her team’s relegation battle ahead of today’s match, Bristol manager Lauren Smith said: “They’re fighting for their lives because they want to win the league, we’re fighting for ours because we want to stay in the league. The match-up is very different. We will do whatever we can to stay in the game and give ourselves a shout but obviously Man City have been playing very well and I think last week’s warning signs against West Ham were very clear. We don’t want to be in that situation after three minutes.”
Manchester City could go six points clear at the top of the WSL table today. Gareth Taylor’s side can pile the pressure on Chelsea with a win at Ashton Gate. Chelsea have missed the last two WSL gameweeks while competing in the Champions League, they next play on Wednesday against Liverpool.
Manchester City will be without leading goalscorer Khadija Shaw today. The striker, who currently leads the WSL Golden Boot race, suffered a foot injury during City’s 5-0 win over West Ham last weekend. Discussing Shaw’s injury during his pre-match press conference, Gareth Taylor said: “We have an issue with Bunny, she’s sustained a foot injury which will keep her out of the game for certain and potentially longer. It’s such a difficult one for Bunny because she’s had an incredible season. We had a feeling it might be an issue when she came off the pitch [against West Ham] even though it was non contact. She’ll be well looked after by the medical team.”
Lauren Hemp will likely step into the No9 position, with Chloe Kelly moving onto the wing.
Team news
Bristol City starting XI: Shae Yanez; Jazz Bull, Brooke Aspin, Megan Connolly, Naomi Layzell, Ffion Morgan; Emily Syme, Amy Rodgers, Rachel Furness, Jamie-Lee Napier; Amalie Thestrup. Substitutes: Fran Bentley, Shania Hayles, Ella Powell, Sille Struck, Abi Harrison, Mari Ward, Sarah Stratigakis, Lisa Evans, Carrie Jones.
Your starting XI for this evening, as drawn by Flax Bourton Primary! 🎨 pic.twitter.com/KLhwkks3Ss
— Bristol City Women (@bristolcitywfc) April 28, 2024
Manchester City XI: Khiara Keating; Leila Ouahabi, Laia Aleixandri, Alex Greenwood, Alanna Kennedy; Laura Coombs, Yui Hasegawa, Jess Park; Mary Fowler, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp. Substitutes: Katie Startup, Steph Houghton, Filippa Angeldahl, Esme Morgan, Poppy Pritchard, Kerstin Casparij, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Ruby Mace.
Your team to face Bristol City! 🙌
— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) April 28, 2024
XI | Keating, Aleixandri, Greenwood (C), Coombs, Fowler, Kelly, Hemp, Ouahabi, Park, Hasegawa, Kennedy
SUBS | Startup, Stokes, Houghton, Angeldahl, Morgan, Pritchard, Casparij, Blindkilde Brown, Mace #ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/nGo4tXLu5M
Updated
Preamble
Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of today’s WSL match between Bristol City and Manchester City. This could be a defining fixture at both the top and bottom of the table with the hosts looking to avoid relegation and the visitors pushing for the title.
If Bristol lose today, they will be relegated to the Championship with two games remaining. Meanwhile, if Manchester City win they will extend their lead at the top of the WSL table, piling the pressure on Chelsea who have two games in hand.
However, it will not be easy for Gareth Taylor’s side - especially without top goalscorer Khadija Shaw, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Kick off is at 6:45pm GMT – don’t miss it!
Updated
