Gemma Davies’ pre-match statement that Shania Hayles will ‘shine with time’, came true as her side ran out 4-0 winners against Bristol City in the battle at the bottom of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League last night.
Bristol City were unable to deal with the strength of Hayles, who was able to provide an assist and two goals for The Villains. Home keeper Sophie Baggaley was unable to build on her impressive performance against Reading at the weekend, when she saved 13 of The Royals’ shots on target as Bristol City continue their unwanted record of 12 winless league games.
Villa’s victory was dictated by their resilient defender, Elisha N’Dow, who successfully dealt with the ever-present threat of Ebony Salmon whose pace consistently caused the Villa defence problems. In the 32nd minute, she created Bristol City’s best chance of the game as Carla Humphrey played a perfectly weighted ball behind N’Dow, leading to Natalie Haigh producing a contentious challenge on Salmon which referee Amy Fearns deemed not to be worthy of a penalty.
After the defeat to Manchester United, Davies promised the best was yet to come from Aston Villa, as she felt the summer signings had so far, failed to gel. However, she was left pleased as new striker, Ramona Petzelberger, was able to show her worth by poaching two brilliantly delivered crosses. Until the 40th minute, Villa were unable to capitalise on a dominating display but their use of a high press finally paid off. After an over-cooked pass put Bristol City goalkeeper Baggaley under pressure, panic amongst The Robins’ ranks caused Yana Daniels to lose out to Emma Follis, who ultimately charged into the box setting up a sliding Petzelberger at the back post.
As the first half came to a close, Salmon continued to show why The Villains were taking no chances by double-marking the teenage striker. Yet, Bristol City maintained their weakness upfront as they were unable to provide support for the forward, resulting in Tanya Oxtoby’s side trailing at half-time.
At the beginning of the second half, City showed increasing promise. Charlie Wellings shot in the 51st minute forced a save out of Lisa Weiss, who dropped the ball at the striker’s feet, before swiftly recovering. The Robins upped the ante, as Salmon broke through before once again being tackled by N’Dow. Soon after, Weiss stopped an attempted cross, which fell to Wellings, whose resulting shot was cleared off the line by Asmita Ale. Villa attacker Hayles immediately went on to punish the home side’s inability to build on their early second half dominance, battling her way through the Bristol City defence to finish from a tight angle.
Aston Villa’s second goal led to Bristol City showing us why they’ve conceded the most goals in the league. As City became even more open, Hayles’ brilliance continued as the promising forward once again bullied her way through the opposition defence, drilling the ball towards the feet of Petzelberger, who like with her first, charged in to poach her second goal at the back post.
Davies’ side continued to exhibit the weaknesses in the Bristol City defence with their push for a fourth. Nadine Hanssen had a great chance in front of goal but failed to get her shot on target before Hayles shined once more with a low driven shot, as Baggaley was beaten for the fourth time of the night.
In the end, Aston Villa provided a performance of a side that last season climbed up to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League with an unbeaten campaign in the second tier. Home boss Oxtoby will be disappointed at her side’s inability to capitalise on their chances and build on their previous unbeaten three-game record in all competitions.
By Ashton Kirby
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