Bristol Academy v Blues Ladies Match Report

We will be publishing regular articles about the Blues Ladies. Here is the match report from their latest victory.

Birmingham City Ladies were on the verge of losing their unbeaten run at Bristol Academy this evening, but two goals in the last three minutes meant they clinched all three points in a five-goal thriller.

Maz Ballard handed Birmingham the lead after just six minutes, but with 20 minutes left the Vixens equalised through Jess Fishlock and in the 79th minute Anne-Marie Heatherson put the hosts ahead.

The game looked dead and buried. However, Chelsea Weston had other ideas as she pulled the Blues back into the game with a screamer on 88 minutes. Barely a minute later and the indispensable Rachel Williams scored the winner – with her ninth goal of the season – to spark jubilant scenes.

David Parker made three changes to the side that beat Doncaster at the weekend, with the injured trio of Marie Hourihan, Jade Moore and Izzy Christiansen being replaced by new signing Leanne Hall, Sally Stanton and Ballard.
And it was Ballard who set the Blues on their way.

After Bristol’s Jemma Rose rattled the crossbar early on, Karen Carney forced Siobhan Chamberlain into a save moments later but she could only direct the ball towards Ballard, who gratefully tapped in. There was a suggestion of more goals to follow in the first period, with Parker’s side looking dangerous on the break, whilst the hosts had their fair share of chances.

But both teams appeared more concerned with winning the physical battle in front of the ESPN cameras. Challenges were flying in from all angles and tempers flared – amazingly only one yellow was shown in the entire game. The home side continued to pressurise the Blues’ goal, and after a series of half chances, Fishlock should have equalised just before the interval, but she could only find the side netting.

Despite the disruption caused by the injured Karen Carney coming off at half time, Birmingham were the side on the front foot at the start of the second period.  England international Dunia Susi drew Chamberlain into a fine save and the Blues appeared to be in control. But Mark Sampson’s side piled on the pressure over the next 20 minutes and it eventually took its toll on Birmingham. Fishlock popped up again in the box and she only had to stab home from close range.
Sensing blood, the West Country outfit went in for the kill and Heatherson headed them 2-1 ahead with 11 minutes left on the clock.

This was the first time the Blues had to prove their title credentials in the FA Women’s Super League and they looked down and out with three minutes to go. Somehow they summoned the strength for one last go. Weston and Williams played the heroes with two delightful finishes to snatch a dramatic win.

Parker’s side are next in action at Lincoln this Sunday. They then face three home games against Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea where the title could well be decided.

Blues: Hall, Weston, Harrop, Bassett (c), Susi, Williams, Carney (Curtis 46), Potter, Stanton, Ballard (Cardin 69), Westwood.
Unused subs: Wright, Pond.

Bristol Academy: Chamberlain, Yorston, McCatty, Daley (Clark 61), Heatherson (Dykes 82), Fishlock, Hoogendijk, Matthews (Bleazard 61), Culvin, Rose, Radburn.
Unused subs: Windell.
Bookings: Matthews (foul, 55).
Attendance: 963

Support the Blues Ladies

Applications are now being taken to join Birmingham City Ladies Supporters club.

The club’s aim is to provide a voice for Blues Ladies growing number of supporters as well as trying to arrange transport or coordinate care sharing to home and away matches. All members will be kept up to date by a regular e-mail newsletter.

Prices to join the Supporters club are as follows:

Adults £5
Concessions £3
Family ticket £10

Application forms can be obtained from either Mark Farnell or by e-mailing Bclfc.sc@gmail. For more details you can call Mark on 07540 948151.