Bristol City secured their first points of the Women’s Super League season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Ham, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The game began with West Ham taking the initiative and launching the first significant attack after just eight minutes. A well-placed through-ball from Izzy Atkinson found Lisa Evans, who sent a cross into the box, targeting Riko Ueki. Unfortunately for the Hammers, Ueki lost her footing while attempting to score, squandering a prime opportunity.
Despite the early pressure from West Ham, Bristol City gradually started to find their footing in the game. However, it was West Ham who struck first in the 27th minute, courtesy of a penalty. Megan Connolly was penalized for handling the ball in the area following a Kirsty Smith cross. Viviane Asseyi confidently converted the spot-kick, leaving Bristol City’s goalkeeper, Kaylan Marckese, with no chance.
West Ham appeared eager to extend their lead, with Atkinson missing an opportunity shortly after the penalty. Nevertheless, Bristol City managed to turn the tide of the game in a remarkable six-minute spell. In the 32nd minute, a cross from the left by Rachel Furness found Amalie Thestrup, who expertly headed the ball past West Ham’s keeper, Mackenzie Arnold. Thestrup then turned provider with an overhead kick that Arnold failed to handle, allowing Ella Powell to score her first Women’s Super League goal.
However, West Ham managed to level the game just before half-time, as Riko Ueki turned and found the back of the net past Marckese.
Bristol City retook the lead in the 54th minute from a free-kick taken by Connolly, which found the head of Brooke Aspin. Aspin’s effort slipped through Arnold’s grasp and into the net.
West Ham pressed for an equalizer, but Bristol City remained resolute in defense. Thestrup had a goal disallowed due to an offside flag, and Hawa Cissoko nearly added to the scoreline.
In the dying moments of the match, West Ham attempted a last-ditch effort to salvage a draw, but Bristol City held on to secure their hard-fought victory. This win marked Bristol City’s first points of the Women’s Super League season, an accomplishment they can be proud of.