Bristol Metropolis Ladies 0 – 4 Man Metropolis Ladies

Mary Fowler scored a effective double as Manchester Metropolis went six factors clear on the prime 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 surprising striker from Fowler (62) lastly breached Bristol Metropolis’s defences.

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

It sees Man Metropolis add to what may very well be the all-important aim 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, reside on Sky Sports activities.

For Bristol Metropolis, it’s a right away return to the Championship – from which Crystal Palace have been promoted earlier on Sunday – and they’re but to win at house 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 in all their finest got here simply after half an hour as Ffion Morgan despatched a effective 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 via the center for the second half – sliced an effort simply huge, 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 course once more with one other good end quickly after. It was an important run to select Hemp’s cross and she or he helped the ball house with a deft contact.

Bristol Metropolis’s night bought worse two minutes later as Rogers poked into her personal web. 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 workforce’s aim distinction. She powered a header in direction of the highest nook, which Yanez merely couldn’t preserve out regardless of a heroic effort.

Christensen: January switch window the distinction in relegation battle

Sky Sports activities’ Izzy Christiansen:

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

“However this efficiency sums up their season. It has been extremely troublesome for them, it is unhappy to see them relegated, however for a workforce of such younger gamers, it is invaluable publicity at this stage towards these gamers week in, week out.

“The fascinating factor is, in January, they have been stage 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 Metropolis, they have been unable so as to add a lot in January and sadly, that is the place they’re at tonight.”

Smith: Now we have to begin wanting in direction of subsequent 12 months

Bristol Metropolis supervisor Lauren Smith to Sky Sports activities: “I feel we’ve been sat on the backside of the desk for the season. It has at all times been a mountain to climb. A few of the efficiency we’ve been very happy with however we have not bought the outcomes. We’ve not proven up for 90 minutes week in, week out and that is proven on the finish of the season.”

“Amelie [Thestrup] was actually making our press efficient and having to alter her and alter the plan somewhat bit [for the second half] then Metropolis got here out and have been extra aggressive. They in the end discovered that one and turned the screw somewhat bit.”

On the longer term: “Now we have to begin taking a look at what subsequent 12 months appears like. Now we have to proceed to construct and ensure our fanbase is as unimaginable subsequent 12 months as it’s now. We will likely be seeking to proceed this development and construct the thrill.

“We speak concerning the journey a number of the time. That is a part of that journey for them. Now we have two extra video games and plenty of extra seasons forward. Every little thing they’ve achieved 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 remaining recreation will see them host Everton on Might 18; kick-off 3pm.

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