Preview: Brighton and Hove Albion (H).

City are back in BS3 after a five week hiatus as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Womens Super League.

It’s Lauren Smith’s side's first outing at Ashton Gate since the narrow 1-2 defeat to West Ham United in January.

Since then, City have come away with a point from two tough fixtures on the road, with the performance in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa providing some promise for the remainder of the campaign.

A 5-2 defeat to Leicester City last time out was frustrating for Smith and her staff, but supplied some positives in itself, with Ffion Morgan bagging her first goal of the season, and Amalie Thestrup scoring her eighth, in what is proving to be an impressive personal campaign.

OUR OPPONENTS: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

Founded: 1967
Stadium: Broadfield Stadium
Nickname: The Seagulls
Manager: Mikey Harris (Interim)
Finish Last Season: 11th

Brighton were promoted to the WSL as part of the restructuring of the English Women’s Football league pyramid in 2018.

Hope Powell consolidated The Seagulls as top flight regulars, finishing ninth on two occasions, before leading them to their most successful campaign to date in 2021, where they finished sixth in the WSL.

Powell departed in 2022 and Brighton only narrowly escaped relegation to the Championship last season, finishing 11th and five points above Reading.

Melissa Phillips was appointed Head Coach at the beginning of the season but there was no change in form. She departed the role in February and The Seagulls now sit second bottom, just five points and one place above The Robins.

Mikey Harris replaced her on an Interim basis, but has only overseen one win from four games to date, a 4-1 win over Women’s National League North side Wolverhampton.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, March 3rd 2024 (2pm)
Where: Ashton Gate Stadium
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League

Referee: Ade Soneye
Assistant Referee: Abby Dearden
Assistant Referee: Lauren Whiteman
Fourth Official: Levi Gray

Words: Kory Cook