Report: Lewes FC Women 1-3 Bristol City Women

What happened? 

The opening exchanges of the game saw Bristol City dominate possession as they went in search of a way to breakdown their opponents. 

City almost had the opener when Jemma Purfield drove into the box and tested Hartley with a low-driven shot. Harrison also stung the palms of the ‘keeper five minutes later but neither could find the breakthrough. 

However, Purfield would go on to open the scoring in spectacular style. The full-back intercepted the ball on halfway before driving deep into the Lewes half a letting off a rocket with her left boot, which sailed over the ‘keeper and into the top corner. 

Less than five minutes later the Robins had their second. Harrison’s hard work was rewarded with a corner and Purfield’s in-swinging ball caused some confusion in the box before dropping to Bissell, who didn’t need a second invitation to smash the ball low and into the net. 

It would soon turn out to be a quick fire triple from City. Salmon wrapped her foot around the ball beautifully to pick out the bottom corner from the edge off the area and extend the Robins’ lead to three. 

City almost had a fourth as the ball fell to Harrison in the six-yard box, but Hartley came out bravely to meet the striker and block her effort. 

Following the half-time interval the Robins went in search of a fourth but they were met by a resolute Lewes defence, who were putting their bodies on the line to block the ball. 

It would be the hosts who would bag the first goal of the second half as Cleverly won the race to the near post and hooked the ball in from a corner kick. 

Youngster Izzy Cook was introduced midway through the second period and was inches away from the dream debut as she sweetly struck just inside the box, which rattled the crossbar. 

Bissell would be next to hit the frame of the goal as her looping effort from a tight angel bounced off the top of the bar and behind for a goal kick. 

Mastrantonio almost bagged the fourth with minutes left on the clock but Hartley scampered across her line to save from the Australian and keep the score at 3-1. 

Teams:

Bristol City Women: Baggaley, Evans (Layzell 45'), Matthews (C), Humphrey, Salmon, Allen (Colis 72'), Bissell, Harrison ( Cook 67')Purfield, Mastrantonio, Jones (Wilson 84')

Subs: Haaland

Lewes FC Women: Hartley, Quayle, Cleverly, Hack (Howells 69'), Jones (Leek 81'), Noble, Boswell, Donovan (Lane 45'), O'Rourke, Mackey (Jhamat 81'), Porter

Subs: Saunders, Cousins, Newman, Griffin, Savva

Key Moment: Ebony Salmon

Following two quickfire goals the dangerous youngster would soon add a third to extend the visitors lead further. 

Every time Salmon, she looked dangerous. Whether that would be racing away down the touchline or cutting inside and threatening to fire a shot on goal. 

It would be the latter that lead to her goal as she juked inside and curled the ball brilliantly to pick out the bottom corner of the Lewes net. 

Whipped. 

Here’s how @ebony_salmon made it three. 😎 #LEWBRC 🔴 0-3 💜 [49]

pic.twitter.com/iQBo0HHOvF

— Bristol City WFC (@bristolcitywfc) November 18, 2020

Player of the Match: Jemma Purfield

The full-back was outstanding all evening in every facet of her game, not to mention her worldie to open the scoring. 

Purfield was often one step ahead of the game and reading what was unfolding before her to intercept the ball and kickstart the Bristol City attack. 

It would be her awareness that lead to the opener as she stepped in to intercept on the halfway and drive into the Lewes half before unleashing a ferocious strike, which found the top corner of the net. 

Baller.