Another win and another clean sheet for Bristol City as they secured their second Championship win over the season as goals from Shania Hayles and Emily Syme saw the Robins ease to a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Robins High Performance Centre.
Lauren Smith’s side capitalised on their opponent's inability to deal with set pieces and opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Hayles prodded home from close range. One became two just before the break when Syme profited from more confusion in the Rovers defence after another City corner.
The home side threatened to extend their lead further, coming close with second half efforts but the win was all but assured after their dominant first-half display.
“I’m pleased, I’m pleased that we’re two games in and six points with two clean sheets as a manager you can’t really argue with that," said City manager Lauren Smith. “It was a good performance where Blackburn have battled hard but we’ve kept that clean sheet and I think that’s the really important thing to take into the next set of games.
“If we do our business at the back line like we have been doing and just get more and more opportunities [goals] will come. We’re winning games and keeping clean sheets and that’s what I’m happy about.”
City made a fast start and maintained their pressure throughout the early exchanges after a penalty shout by the visitors. Their dominance finally told just before the quarter of the hour mark when Hayles poked in a ball which had dropped at her feet from Chloe Mustaki’s inswinging cross.
The Robins thought they had doubled their advantage in the 40th minute but a foul was adjudged to have taken place in the box from a corner.
But they weren’t made to wait long to make it two as another corner from the right-hand side which Blackburn failed to clear that was turned in by Syme on the stroke of half-time.
The Bristol City dominance continued into the second period and despite Rovers threatening, Fran Bentley in the host's goal was rarely tested.
“I’m absolutely buzzing. It was so good to see [the ball] hit the back of the net," said Syme. “I’ve had a really good pre-season, I’ve bonded with the girls really well so hopefully plenty more to come now.
“Starting the season is always tough making sure we set the standards and are playing well and start finding each other so I guess it’s a perfect start for us really. The fans were great, really felt them today and heard them singing and chanting so thank you all for coming down."
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