Bristol Academy Women v Birmingham Ladies

Today, Saturday 29th August, will be one of the most crucial games that any Blues’ lady will partake in. And yes, they have even played in the Champions League.

But this time, it is more doom and gloom than the glittering lights on facing Europe’s elite. It is make or break; will the Blues’ Ladies who finished 3rd last year, be snapped up by the jaws of relegation?

Bristol sit at the bottom of the league having got just 5 points from 11 games. Their goal difference is also considerably the worst with -20. They have put in a couple of decent performances but their lack of quality has been found out against better teams, no disrespect intended.

The Birmingham lasses do not sit much prettier in the table. They are second from bottom having gathered just 7 points all season. 1-0 defeats have plummeted Blues’ to this position and with a goal difference of -10, a clean sheet in this game may be hard to come by. Then again, the teams don’t score many either, so who knows?

Both sides have played 11 games and if Birmingham can get the 3 points today, then they will be 5 points clear of Bristol as they enter the final stretch. However, lose this game, and they will be rooted to the bottom of the table, Bristol would then have the upper hand.

Birmingham have had a rich vein of form recently which has seen them beat Yeovil comprehensively and then draw with title challengers Sunderland. All this points to a positive increase in confidence that should be taken into this game.

Also, we have plenty of internationals who are experienced enough to know how to deal with pressure and expectation. They will be able to calm the youngsters. Carney, Potter and Moore will be pivotal in calming the nerves and hopefully spurring the ladies on to victory!

Another positive note was that Birmingham were able to rest key players such as Spencer, the goalkeeper, in their last game which was a continental cup game. Fresh legs will be vital for such an important game. Also, the nerves may cause fatigue and so fresh legs will come in handy.

From what I have seen this season, Birmingham Ladies should beat Bristol. They have a very good defence in particular the fiery Mannion, and Lawley has the pace and quality to cause chaos for the opposition. It’s just whether they can maintain their form and not get too downbeat if we were to lose a goal.

Kick off is at 6:30 at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.