Chelsea Ladies 6-0 Bristol City Women
- Published
Chelsea Ladies began their Women's Super League One campaign by thrashing Bristol City Women.
Drew Spence gave the Blues an early lead with a diving header before Fran Kirby capitalised on a defensive error to fire in the second.
Maren Mjelde capped a fine team move to slot in the third and Magdalena Eriksson headed in from a corner.
Gilly Flaherty forced the ball home to complete the scoring after Mjelde had tapped in Gemma Davison's cross.
It was a comprehensive victory for the WSL Spring Series champions against a side who won promotion to the top flight at the end of the last full WSL 2 season.
Lauren Hemp posed the biggest threat for Bristol City but was twice denied by Blues keeper Hedvig Lindahl.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes:
"Getting six goals was really pleasing, as well as having debutants come in with one getting a goal and the other producing a superb performance.
"For us it's about kicking on from the Spring Series and I think we showed today why we are currently the top team in the country.
"I was also delighted that Drew Spence got on the scoresheet. Her goal now is to make herself available for the international side, she has all the qualities needed to be a good international."
Bristol City manager Willie Kirk:
"Our season won't be defined by defeats away at Chelsea - what matters for us is our games against slightly weaker opposition.
"We try and play our brand of football but that is always tough against opposition like this.
"I think when you are chasing the ball for 75 minutes then it's always going to be a struggle."
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