Preview: Tottenham Hotspur (H).

Ashton Gate plays host again as City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to BS3 on Sunday, March 24th (2pm).

It will undoubtedly be another tough test for Lauren Smith’s side, who gave a good account of themselves but were narrowly beaten 2-0 away at Manchester United last time out.

The visit of Spurs is City’s final game in just over a month after next week's visit to Arsenal was postponed due to The Gunners progression in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup, so Smith will be expecting her side to leave everything on the pitch as they head into the most vital stages of the campaign.

The Robins have been boosted by the return of Abi Harrison from injury after she featured from the bench in the defeat to United, but they will be without Jamie-Lee Napier for this one, with the Scottish international sent off after picking up two bookings against The Red Devils.

OUR OPPONENTS: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Formed: 1985
Stadium: Brisbane Road
Nickname: The Lilywhites
Manager: Robert Vilahamn
Finish Last Season: 9th

Tottenham Hotspur gained promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League in 2019 when they finished second in the Championship. They have since established themselves as top flight regulars, and until recently, held the all time WSL attendance record when they hosted over thirty-eight thousand for the North London Derby meeting with Arsenal in November 2019.

Robert Vilahamn was appointed as head coach in the summer, joining from Swedish side BK Hacken after enjoying a sustained period of success in his home country. Vilahamn has made a relatively strong start to his WSL management career, with Spurs sitting comfortably mid-table after 16 games. Six wins, four draws and six defeats sees The Lilywhites in sixth position, an improvement on their ninth place finish last season.

Former Robins loanee Grace Clinton has enjoyed a good season in North London, racking up six goals and assists after joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer. Another summer acquisition Martha Thomas is Vilahamn’s most dangerous asset, with the Scot recording 9 goal involvements in 15 appearances.

MATCH DETAILS

Where: Ashton Gate Stadium
When: Sunday, March 24th (2pm)
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Phoebe Cross
Assistant Referee: Jade Wardle
Assistant Referee: Daniel Sykes
Fourth Official: David Middleton

MATCH PROGRAMME

Words: Kory Cook