Match Preview: Blackburn Rovers (H - Women).

Lauren Smith’s side began their 2022/23 campaign on the front-foot with a dominant performance against Coventry United on the opening weekend of the season.

Despite the game’s only goal coming in the second half via a powerful finish from the Jesse Woolley, the reds peppered the United goal throughout the 90 minutes, and they will have been disappointed to not score more. But, all in good time.

Three points and a clean sheet was the objective for the Robins, and that was their outcome - which pleased Head Coach Lauren Smith most last Sunday. They have a platform to build on and will be chomping at the bit to impress in front of their home fans at the Robins High Performance Centre.

More than 500 tickets have been sold for Sunday’s matchup in BS8 as the Robins aim to pick up their home form where they left off last season, which saw City claim the spoils on home turf on nine occasions, losing four and drawing once.

🎥 WATCH HIGHLIGHTS - Coventry United (A)

🆚 OUR OPPONENTS: Blackburn Rovers

• Formed: 1991
• Stadium: Sir Tom Finney Stadium
• Nickname: Blue and Whites, Rovers, Riversiders
• Manager: Gemma Donnelly
• Finish last season: 10^th (FA Championship)

Much like City, Blackburn Rovers started the new campaign with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Ewood Park.

Saffron Jordan has been a talismanic figure for Sunday’s visitors and the dangerous forward wrapped up all three points as she headed home Natasha Fenton’s free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

Rovers would go on to see out the second half and claim an opening weekend win in front of 1,000 supporters.

💬 WORD FROM THE CAMP

City’s American arrival Vicky Bruce previewed this weekend’s action at the Robins High Performance as well as chatting about the City fans and adapting to life in Bristol!

⏮ MATCH REWIND

Result: Bristol City 3-0 Blackburn Rovers
When: 14.11.21
Competition: FA Championship

City had a slice of good fortune midway through the first half as Abi Harrison sent a cross into the box from the left which was turned into the Rover’s net by defender Helen Seed, much to the delight of the 3,000 in attendance that packed out the Lower Lansdown Stand. 

The hosts then doubled their lead in the 71st minute, Aggie Beever-Jones latched onto a pass down the right and tested the goalkeeper, but she could only parry it as far as Harrison, who made no mistake in scoring the Robins’ second of the afternoon.

Beever-Jones bagged the Robins third as she picked out the top corner with a sublime left-footed effort which would ultimately seal a dominant display. 

🔎 WHAT'S ON

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN ZONE

The Robins Foundation will be hosting a Family Fun Zone at the High Peformance Centre, located behind the goal nearest the entrance to the ground.

Our young supporters will be able to play football on a mini pitch as well as having the opportunity to test their accuracy in an inflatable target.

Flags will also be handed out ahead of the fixture for fans to keep and wave as the players emerge onto the pitch for kick-off.

The Family Fun Zone will be open from 2:15pm and close five minutes prior to kick-off, before re-opening during the half-time break.

🛍 POP-UP SHOP

A pop-up Bristol City store will be on operation for Sunday’s fixture with the variety of City shirts and training wear on sale as well as pocket money items.

🍔 REFRESHMENTS

Food and drink will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon from the vendor located on the right as supporters make their way through the turnstiles.

📸 MEET THE STARS

Following the final whistle, supporters are advised to make their way down the white fence that surrounds the pitch where the players will sign autographs and pose for photos.

🚌 TRAVEL

Fans are advised to use the matchday shuttle bus service HPC1 which offers travel from just £1 return. The service operates from Broadmead, the city centre and Ashton Gate before heading to the Robins High Performance Centre.

New prices and ticketing rules are in place for the 2022/23 season so please check all the details carefully at www.bcfc.co.uk/travel/hpc-travel/ .

Pre-booked parking has SOLD OUT ahead of Sunday's fixture with supporters who have pre-purchased parking advised to park in the neighbouring QEH Sports Ground.

Pay on the day parking will be available in the Bristol Grammar School car park, opposite the entrance to the Robins High Performance Centre. Any spaces available on the day will be charged at £6 (card payments only).

🎟 TICKETS

More than 500 supporters are expected to make their way to Failand this weekend and those wanting to attend are encouraged to purchase in advance and save! 

Disabled supporters will be able to make their way to the viewing platform via reception at the Robins High Performance Centre.

ONLINE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

📺 STREAMING 

Supporters unable to travel to the Robins High Performance Centre can watch all the action via the FA Player.

Prior to watching you'll need to sign up but then you'll be able to catch the latest highlights and content from teams across the league.