Match Preview: Sunderland Women (H).

The Robins have started the 2022/23 season exactly how they would have wished, two wins from two games meaning maximum points.

And following the three-week break, Lauren Smith’s side will want to pick up exactly where they left off.

A 750-strong crowd watched on as the Robins beat Blackburn Rovers in their first home outing at the end of August and the squad will be looking to elevate their performance levels further for the visit of the Black Cats.

Talismanic skipper Aimee Palmer will be in contention to feature given she made her long-awaited return from a five-month spell on the touchline last time out against Rovers.

🆚 OUR OPPONENTS: Sunderland AFC

• Formed: 1989
• Stadium: Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
• Nickname: The Black Cats, The Lasses
• Manager: Melanie Raey
• Finish last season: 9^th

In contrast to City, Sunderland are without a win from their opening two Barclays Championship fixtures.

A fiery opening day draw with local rivals Durham WFC kicked off the Black Cats’ season, before a 4-0 defeat at the hands of former top-flight side Birmingham City.

Looking back to last season there wasn’t much to separate the two sides that meet at the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday. City got the better of Mel Raey’s Black Cats in the West Country with a 2-1 victory, before meeting in the North East on the last weekend of the season where the spoils were shared after a 2-2 draw.

📖 ROBINS PROGRAMME

⏮ MATCH REWIND

Result: Bristol City 2-1 Sunderland
When: 03.10.2021
Competition: Championship

The game’s breakthrough came in the 57^th-minute when Mel Johnson flicked the ball up in the box and Grace McCatty was judged to have handled the ball. Johnson coolly dispatched the spot kick low to the right to beat Moan. 

Seven minutes later skipper Aimee Palmer lined up a freekick from 40-yards out on the left touchline and she lofted the ball high into the wind, travelling beyond Moan to give the Robins a two-goal cushion.

However, it was a nervy final 10 minutes as Charlotte Potts headed in for the Black Cats to cut the deficit, but City managed to hold out and claim victory.

💬 WORD FROM THE CAMP

Summer signing Emily Syme has revealed the group are champing at the bit to get back on the pitch and find consistency following the extended break.

🔎 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/ .

Limited car parking is available at QEH Sports Ground (BS8 3TN) next to the Robins High Performance Centre. Supporters are strongly encouraged to book in advance as parking capacity is limited.

 Advanced pricing is available online to reserve a space for £4. Any spaces available on the day will be charged at £6 (card payments only).

🎟 TICKETS

Supporters attending 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.

📺 STREAMING 

The only place to watch the action this weekend will be at the Robins High Performance Centre as there will be no stream available for the fixture.