Mentality key for Mastrantonio.

The Robins picked up their first win of the 20/21 season in a convincing 4-0 Continental Cup victory against London Bees eight days ago. Despite their momentum being halted by a postponed fixture against Aston Villa, Mastrantonio believes City can carry the positives into Sunday’s clash against Birmingham City. 

“It was a bit of a disruption to our momentum from the London Bees game in the Conti Cup, but the health and safety of everyone remains a priority and we’re glad everyone is healthy,” said Mastrantonio.

“It’s a big game for us this weekend, it’s one that we’ve targeted. They’ll be coming into the game with confidence after three big points against Reading at the weekend. 

“It’s going to be a battle from the start. The message this week has been to build on the positive momentum from the Cup game, make sure we’re hitting our process points, nailing down our patterns of play and making sure we’re in the right place mentally to go out and get three points.” 

Since her arrival from Western Sydney Wanderers in the summer, the midfielder has started all four games thus far for City, bagging an assist in the valiant away defeat against Arsenal. 

Mastrantonio has adapted well to life in the England’s top flight admitting it has been challenging start, however it has been made easier by her fellow Aussie’s in the West Country. 

“Yeah, we’re starting to take over,” she joked, “It’s been good to have them around and have a little bit of a flavour from home whilst I’m on the other side of the world, especially with everything else going on. Chloe was great to me from the start, and really helped me settle in and get used to life in Bristol. 

“The league is a bit different than what what I have been used to in the W-League. There is a lot at stake in every game, whether it be teams fighting for every point for the title, then Champions League places, and there is also the possibility of relegation, so it’s a very tough and different league for sure. 

“Every game is hard in a different way and you have to switch up your mindset and approach very quickly. One game you’re setting up in a particular way to play a team like Arsenal, and then you have to completely switch it up to face a team where you’re the favourite, like against London Bees. It’s a challenge but also a great learning experience for me.” 

Watch Bristol City Women in action against Birmingham City at Twerton Park on Sunday, October 18th (2pm) live on the FA Player App.