Preview: Southampton (A).

Bristol City kick off their 2024/25 Barclays Championship campaign with a trip to Southampton on Sunday, September 8th (2pm). 

The Robins ran out 3-1 winners over newly promoted Crystal Palace at Ashton Gate in their final pre-season test. 

Summer signings Greta Humphries, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Harley Bennett and Jackie Burns will all be in contention for Sunday’s trip to St Mary’s Stadium. 

City will be keen to record their first three points of the season, giving them momentum ahead of their first home game at Ashton Gate against Birmingham City on Sunday, September 15th.

OUR OPPONENTS: SOUTHAMPTON 

Founded: 2017
Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium
Nickname: The Saints
Manager: Remi Allen 
Finish Last Season: 4^th

Southampton earned promotion to the Barclays Championship from the FA Women’s National League South in May 2022. Since their promotion the Saints have been a strong Championship side. 

After an impressive first season and finishing mid-table their progressive approach has seen the side grow from strength to strength.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale led the side to a fourth-place finish last season and has now taken on the role of Director of Women’s Football. In July of 2024, Remi Allen was appointed as the new Head Coach and will be looking to secure the Saints' first home win of the season. 

Former Robin Aimee Palmer, Rachel Brown and Rachel Rowe are among some of the talent added to bolster Allen’s side while Katie Wilkinson and Ella Morris have departed the club. 

Southampton head into the season opener having suffered a 3-0 loss against Women’s Super League side Arsenal in their final pre-season fixture.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, September 8^th (2pm) 
Where: St Mary’s Stadium 
Competition: Barclays Women’s Championship 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Stacey Fullicks
Assistant Referee: Chloe-Ann Small 
Assistant Referee: Phoebe Horner 
Fourth Official: Lauren Whiteman 

MATCH REWIND

Ffion Morgan’s spectacular first-half effort proved the difference at St. Mary’s although it took resolute defending and Fran Bentley heroics to make sure of the points.

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PRESS CONFERENCE

Catch every word of Loren Dykes' pre-match press conference.