By India Gay, Second year History student
After a stunning 11-0 win over Kent’s 1s in the first round of the cup the previous week, Bristol’s women’s football 1st team were hoping to gain 3 points to maintain their position in the league.
However, their league position was not the only thing motivating the girls. Hartpury’s smug smiles at having beat Bristol in their previous fixture soon vanished. As the old saying goes, revenge is a dish best served on a cold November night with a 5-0 victory!
With the glare of the Coombe’s flood lights and a crowd of fellow footballers and devoted flatmates, UBWFC’s Wednesday night lights fixture against Hartpury 1s was underway. The squad was looking as strong as ever, however, due to an injured Amy Brook, old superstar Alice Shiner took her place completing the defensive back four. Substitutes Flora Snelson, Abi Todd and Anna Cairns were also ready to rise from the bench and prove decisive in the game.
Bristol dominated from the beginning but failed to convert any of their first-half chances. Hartpury battled well, but Bristol’s continuous high pressing and perfectly played balls meant it was only a matter of time before captain, Jess Robinson, put her gift for taking outstanding freekicks into motion. As it landed at Elena Fairley’s feet, she pressured the keeper before neatly tucking the ball away, making the score line 1-0.
Keen to use the sub’s contained energy, Abi Todd was brought on and within the space of 10 minutes used her quick feet and mesmerising ball skills to bag herself a hattrick, allowing Bristol to relax in their positions.
Annys ‘The Gazelle’ Turner also showcased her pace, imitating Usain Bolt as she sprinted down the left wing completely outpacing many a Hartpury defender before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Understandably the crowds were unable to control themselves, singing UBWFC’s chant every time Bristol scored, which worked as a tactical bother for the Hartpury girls whilst only fuelling Bristol’s desire to increase the goal difference. The game was a spectacle to watch as Bristol paraded their undeniable teamwork, communication and footballing ability. We hope their games in the following weeks prove to be just as good as their performance against Hartpury!
As the term is drawing to a close and with only a few fixtures left, I decided to talk to the team’s captains in order to gain an insight into what they hope their squads will achieve in 2019.
Jess Robinson, Captain of the 1s said, ‘We hope to get as far as we can in the cup with the next round on the 6th of February - a home game against the University of Worcester. We would also like to win the remaining 4 games and in doing so finish in the top 2 of the new league that we were promoted into for the 2018/19 season.’
Maj Opalinska, who leads the 2’s had similar ambitions: ‘We too, would very much like to win the next round of our cup against Cardiff Met on 13th February which would put us through to the quarter finals. And, although our results have fluctuated this season, we are aiming to stay in this league and to come back fighting again in the new year.’
Amber Thompson, 3’s captain is ‘aiming for the 3rds to come 2nd in the league’ which she believes is very possible with their current form and position in the table, further stating ‘I also hope that we beat UWE in all the fixtures we have against them and of course score as many goals as possible!’
Development captain, Liv Goodwin commented, ‘I am very happy with where the team is now and would just like to continue in the casual league making sure everyone is enjoying it. I would also like to see as many new players as possible, so if anyone is interested please don’t hesitate to get in touch!’
We hope the new term and new year brings more wins for UBWFC and that they continue to demonstrate the indisputable quality of women’s football.
Featured image by UBWFC
Can all the ambitions for next term, as outlined by the captains, be fulfilled? Let us know what you think!
