Bristol Metropolis Ladies 0 – 4 Man Metropolis Ladies

Mary Fowler scored a tremendous double as Manchester Metropolis went six factors clear on the high of the WSL with a 4-0 win at Bristol Metropolis, who’ve been relegated to the Ladies’s Championship.

The absence of Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw confirmed at occasions for the league leaders, who had 30 photographs at Ashton Gate, however a shocking striker from Fowler (62) lastly breached Bristol Metropolis’s defences.

The Australian added a second quickly after (75), earlier than an unlucky personal objective from Amy Rodgers (77). A late Alex Greenwood objective on the stoke of full-time sealed the win.

It sees Man Metropolis add to what might be the all-important objective distinction – now 46 to Chelsea’s 39 – though they’ve performed two video games greater than the Blues, who’re again in WSL motion towards Liverpool on Wednesday, stay on Sky Sports activities.

For Bristol Metropolis, it’s a direct return to the Championship – from which Crystal Palace have been promoted earlier on Sunday – and they’re but to win at dwelling within the WSL this season.

Man Metropolis ease six factors clear as Robins relegated

Though Man Metropolis noticed the higher of the possession and photographs, most of their first-half efforts went straight at goalkeeper Shae Yanez – Chloe Kelly, who began because the No9 in Shaw’s absence, and Laura Coombs the primary culprits.

Bristol Metropolis had their moments on the counter too. One among their greatest got here simply after half an hour as Ffion Morgan despatched a tremendous cross for the incoming Amalie Thestrup. Nevertheless, she collided with Khiara Keating, which noticed each needing medical remedy, however they have been OK to proceed.

Man Metropolis continued to rack up the probabilities after the break. Lauren Hemp – who went by way of the center for the second half – sliced an effort simply broad, earlier than Fowler additionally had an effort stopped. Laia Aleixandri then nodded over.

And it took a spectacular second to interrupt the impasse. Fowler picked up the ball in midfield, turned, and drove to the highest of the world. She then unleashed a thunderous strike into the highest nook.

Fowler was on the right track once more with one other good end quickly after. It was an amazing run to pick Hemp’s cross and he or she helped the ball dwelling with a deft contact.

Bristol Metropolis’s night bought worse two minutes later as Rogers poked into her personal internet. Kelly’s cross was nodded again into the center by Hemp, with the Bristol Metropolis participant poking out a foot to inadvertently see the ball previous her personal goalkeeper.

And with the ultimate kick of the sport, Man Metropolis captain Greenwood sealed the win and, crucially, boosted her group’s objective distinction. She powered a header in direction of the highest nook, which Yanez merely couldn’t hold out regardless of a heroic effort.

Taylor: We had to enhance our physique language

Man Metropolis supervisor Gareth Taylor to Sky Sports activities: “Our second-half performance was very good. We were actually poor in the first half, we were lethargic, we were flat, we were slow in spotting where the spaces were and moving the ball. We adjusted some things at half-time… a few minor tweaks.

“We spoke about physique language, about depth of our play. It’s a must to give credit score to Bristol Metropolis, they have been excellent. They barely adjusted by way of how they performed and labored tremendously exhausting.

“We had to really find some bits of quality to unlock the door. Mary’s goal is a great goal. She did so well in the second goal as well.

“At half-time I’d have been pleased with 1-0, so to come back away with 4-0 we’re actually happy.”

On physique language: “I don’t mind mistakes, I just want players to show positive energy. It’s fine to make mistakes, but don’t slump your shoulders, don’t show everyone you made a mistake.

“Once you do this, the vitality is just not there and the physique language is just not fairly proper, we find yourself getting a primary half like we did. It begins from the primary 10 seconds.

“We were the opposite of that in the second half. We were so good.

“I am not saying we’re being disrespectful of the opposition, however folks anticipate you to roll up and win 5, six or seven nil. It could possibly occur, but it surely’s troublesome. It is the toughest factor to attain objectives and honest play to us, we turned the screw just a little bit within the second half.”

Christensen: January transfer window the difference in relegation battle

Sky Sports’ Izzy Christiansen:

“Within the first half, Bristol Metropolis have been wonderful. They’ve proven glimpses all through the season of resilience, group work and so they’ve had some actual moments of high quality.

“But this performance sums up their season. It’s been incredibly difficult for them, it’s sad to see them relegated, but for a team of such young players, it’s invaluable exposure at this level against these players week in, week out.

“The attention-grabbing factor is, in January, they have been degree on factors with West Ham, each on 5 factors. West Ham have been backed within the switch window, they purchased a wealth of expertise into the squad and that bolstered them.

“For Bristol City, they were unable to add much in January and unfortunately, that’s where they’re at tonight.”

Smith: We have now to start out wanting in direction of subsequent yr

Bristol Metropolis supervisor Lauren Smith to Sky Sports activities: “I think we have been sat at the bottom of the table for the season. It has always been a mountain to climb. Some of the performance we have been very proud of but we haven’t got the results. We haven’t shown up for 90 minutes week in, week out and that’s shown at the end of the season.”

“Amelie [Thestrup] was really making our press effective and having to change her and change the plan a little bit [for the second half] then City came out and were more aggressive. They ultimately found that one and turned the screw a little bit.”

On the longer term: “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.

“We discuss in regards to the journey a variety of the time. That is a part of that journey for them. We have now two extra video games and lots of extra seasons forward. Every part they’ve performed this season, they are often happy with and that’s expertise. If this makes them higher, that is a part of the event we do right here.”

What’s subsequent?

Bristol Metropolis are again on Sky Sports activities subsequent Sunday as they journey to Chelsea; kick-off 6.45pm. Their ultimate sport will see them host Everton on Could 18; kick-off 3pm.

It’s a enormous sport for Man Metropolis subsequent weekend as they host Arsenal on Sunday; kick-off 2.15pm. On the ultimate day of the season – which may determine the vacation spot of the WSL title – Man Metropolis go to Aston Villa; kick-off 3pm.