Report: Coventry United 0-1 Bristol City.

A 49th minute strike from Woolley saw the Robins take all three points in their season opener at the Butts Park Arena.

🧐 BACKGROUND

Head Coach Lauren Smith named four new signings in her starting XI to take on Coventry United in the Robins' first game of the season as well as the familiar face of Fran Bentley in goal, who signed permanently from Manchester United in the summer. 

Vicky Bruce, Chloe Mustaki, Emily Syme and Jodie Hutton all started outfield for the Robins. 

✍️ WHAT HAPPENED?

Abi Harrison had the opening chance of the game when she attempted a volley just outside of the box but her effort was well saved by Jodie Whiteman in the Coventry goal. 

Moments later, the hosts had their first chance of the game through Katy Morris, however Bentley was on hand to calmly stop the shot.

It was a fast start to the game with Woolley getting the Robins' second chance of the game in the fifth minute after Harrison lofted a ball into the box but the forward's resulting header went just over the bar.

Hutton put pressure on Whiteman along with Harrison but despite winning the ball City's new signing saw her shot well blocked by the keeper.

Harrison looked certain to put the Robins ahead after bursting through on goal after great pass from Jasmine Bull on the half hour mark, but Alanah Mann got back well to make an excellent challenge and clear the danger.

The visitors came very close to scoring through Hutton, however her strike towards goal was deflected off target and out for a City corner which came to nothing for Lauren Smith's side.

Meesha Dudley-Jones looked to find the back of the net from distance for United but her effort from outside the area didn't trouble Bentley in the City net, before Maddi Wilde had a chance late on the half that drifted wide.

⏱ HALF-TIME

The Robins came out flying in the second half with Woolley opening the scoring. A powerful strike four minutes after broke the deadlock with Harrison providing the assist.

Woolley nearly had herself a brace minutes later after flicking the ball towards goal following the corner, however her effort went just over the bar.

Hayles then fired the ball towards goal from the edge of the box but the hosts were on hand to make a block and divert the ball out of danger. Hayles then had a second chance shortly after which was well saved by Whiteman.

The midfield pair of Syme and Bull tried their luck late on but neither could add to City's singular goal as the Robins kicked off the new season with three points.

🏃‍♂TEAM

Bentley ©, Bruce, Cataldo, Layzell, Mustaki, Syme, J.Bull, Wilde Powell (72), Harrison (Boddy 60), Hutton (Hayles 60), Woolley Greenslade (88)

Substitutes not used: Clark

🎥 POST-MATCH REACTION

📸 GALLERY

🎟 UP NEXT AT HOME!

Tickets for Blackburn Rovers' trip to the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday, August 28th (3pm) are now available.

🎟 2022/23 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Season Tickets to watch City Women for the 2022/23 season are now on sale.

And you can watch them at the Robins High Performance Centre next season for as little as £60 for an Adult Season Ticket or a £40 Season Ticket for Under-12s, who will receive a free home outfield shirt.