Women's Super League: Bristol City Women 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion Women
- Published
Women's Super League Highlights: Bristol 0-0 Brighton
Goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley saved a first-half penalty as Bristol City and Brighton played out an entertaining draw on the opening day of the new Women's Super League season.
Baggaley made numerous stops, including a superb diving effort from Victoria Williams' firmly struck first-half spot-kick.
Brighton controlled the first half, with Aileen Whelan and new signing Lea La Garrec particularly threatening.
But City settled and Olivia Chance and Ebony Salmon almost hit late winners.
Chance showed great ability on the edge of the box, skipping away from a couple of challenges but her rising shot was brilliantly tipped over by Megan Walsh.
And fellow substitute Salmon saw her mis-hit cross come back off the underside of the bar with Walsh beaten.
The hosts improved steadily throughout in front of an enthusiastic crowd of more than 3,000 at Ashton Gate, but a City win would have been harsh on Hope Powell's Brighton side, who passed the ball crisply, closed down impressively and created the better openings.
Baggaley had to palm away an early overhit Le Garrec cross and, as well as the excellent dive to her right to stop Williams' penalty after Gemma Evans made minimal contact on Whelan, she also saved well from Whelan and Ellie Brazil.
Bosses happy with a point - reaction
Bristol City manager Tanya Oxtoby: "To be fair to Brighton, I thought they looked the better of the teams in the first half without really doing we didn't expect.
"We had a game plan and I was disappointed we didn't implement it properly.
"I'm not going to comment on the penalty decision, but it was a tremendous save from Sophie and that will do her confidence the world of good.
"I thought we got better as the game went on and could have won it at the end, but if you'd have offered me a point before the game I'd probably have taken it.
We have new players and they will take a while to gel - five of the girls out there had only trained with the rest of the players for 10 days before this game.
"I hope we will get better as the season goes on."
Brighton manager Hope Powell: "I think both managers will feel a bit disappointed they didn't win the game - although to be honest I'm just happy we didn't lose and have got a point on the board so early on because we lost our opening match last season.
"It was a tough game for both sides and we knew it would be difficult coming here because Bristol are well organised side and make it very hard for you.
"I thought the penalty we were awarded probably was a penalty, but it's difficult for the referee and we don't have VAR. But their keeper made a tremendous save to keep them in the game.
"We were clinging on at the end but I'm happy we didn't concede and have taken a point, although disappointed it wasn't all three."