Report: Bristol City 0-4 Manchester City.

Bristol City’s relegation from the Barclays Women’s Super League was confirmed with a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The Robins stood strong for the best part of an hour but a Mary Fowler brace, an own goal from Amy Rodgers and Alex Greenwood’s header was enough to get the WSL leaders over the line.

City were unchanged from the side which put in an improved display but were beaten 0-1 by Liverpool last time out.

Lauren Smith did however opt for a change of shape for the visit of The Citizens, shifting to a back four, with Jasmine Bull and Naomi Layzell operating as the full-back’s.

Fowler created the first notable chance of the game, beating Layzell on the right before cutting it back towards Chloe Kelly, but Shae Yanez was quick to smother the ball.

Kelly was again involved when she pounced on a second ball before seeing her tame effort comfortably held by Yanez.

Lauren Hemp played a neat one-two with Laura Coombs before testing Yanez with an effort, but the City ‘keeper stood firm to deny the England international.

The Robins began to play some neat football, putting a fantastic move together eventually leading to Ffion Morgan whipping a dangerous ball into the danger zone, which narrowly evaded Amalie Thestrup in the centre, the forward colliding with Kiara Keating as that attack came to a halt, resulting in a lengthy stoppage.

Fowler’s cross into the middle was headed over by Alana Kennedy as play got back underway.

Smith’s side continued to put their bodies on the line to keep the scores level at the break, with Layzell and Brooke Aspin both making substantial blocks as we entered six additional minutes.

The best chance of the first period fell to the visitors right on the cusp of half-time when Hemp found herself in acres of space at the back stick, but headed straight at Yanez.

Smith opted for a double change at the break, with Abi Harrison and Carrie Jones being introduced in place of Morgan and Thestrup.

Fowler and Hemp linked up again on opposite flanks, as Fowler's ball to the back post was volleyed wide by the former Robin.

The visitors broke the deadlock moments after the hour mark when Fowler fired into the top corner from distance.

That goal dealt a bitter blow to City who had been patient and resilient to that point, and they were inches away from being two behind when Hemp’s header sailed just wide.

Man City’s advantage was doubled when Hemp’s cross from the right was dispatched from close range by Fowler.

It was three soon after as Rodgers inadvertently turned the ball into the back of her own net, leaving Yanez no chance.

The League Leaders added a fourth seconds before the final whistle when Greenwood headed home from a corner.

TEAM: Yanez (GK), Bull, Connolly ©️, Aspin (Struck 88’), Layzell (Ward 67’), Rodgers, Syme, Furness (Evans 73’), Napier, Morgan (Harrison 45’), Thestrup (Jones 45’). Substitutes: Bentley (GK), Powell, Hayles, Stratigakis.

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