Nikita Parris’s first half effort was cancelled out by Lucy Graham’s penalty, leaving both teams with a goal and a point apiece.
What happened
City were looking to begin 2019 in a similarly emphatic fashion in which they ended 2018, and had a chance to make the perfect start when a Bristol City back pass earned the Blues a free kick. Georgia Stanway stepped up to take it, but her effort flew past Sophie Baggaley’s post.
Bristol are one of only three teams to take a point from City this season, and nearly went ahead in the ninth minute. Ella Rutherford’s free kick found Danique Kerkdijk at the back post, but her effort was comfortably saved by Ellie Roebuck.
City enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half, keeping the ball patiently to try and conjure up some clear chances. After a long passing move, Stanway’s header from Tessa Wullaert’s cross went just wide of the Bristol goal in the 18th minute.
The home side were restricted to long range efforts, and Graham’s 25th minute strike forced a save from Roebuck.
In the 37th minute, City took the lead. Abbie McManus tricked her way down the right wing before sliding the ball across the box to Parris who did the rest.
We went into the break with a deserved lead, and started the second half brightly trying to extend it. Steph Houghton’s header sailed just over the bar, minutes before Stanway’s effort from just outside of the box went wide.
With 60 minutes on the clock, Jen Beattie brought down Graham in the box. Graham took the penalty herself to equalise for Bristol.
Nick Cushing was awarded the LMA Manager of the month for December and was determined to carry that form into January. He brought Claire Emslie on for Georgia Stanway with 15 minutes to play.
Emslie was involved in the attack immediately. Her cross just evaded Lauren Hemp‘s attempted header.
How we lined up
Roebuck started in goal, shielded by a back four of McManus, Houghton, Beattie and Demi Stokes. In the middle of the park, Keira Walsh partnered Jill Scott, with Wullaert and Caroline Weir in more advanced roles. Stanway and Parris led the line.
Up next
We host Brighton in the Continental Cup on Thursday, before travelling to West Ham for our next league game on Sunday.
