Win at Charlton would be 'massive' for Bristol City

Bristol City play WSL 2 leaders Charlton having not lost in their past five matches

Bristol City Women have the chance to move "another step closer" to their goal of promotion back to the Women's Super League when they take on league leaders Charlton Athletic on Sunday.

City Women are third in the WSL 2 table, level on points with Birmingham City in second and four points behind Charlton.

They have lost just once in their past six league matches and thrashed Ipswich Town 7-0 at home in their last outing.

"It's important to head into Christmas in as good a position as we can be," midfielder Emily Syme told BBC Points West.

"We know that it's a long, long season, but we're taking each game as it comes. If we win this one it takes us another step closer to our ultimate goal of promotion, so it would be a massive thing for us."

A takeover of the club by group Mecury13 was announced in September, a move that was described at the time as "pivotal" for its future.

The deal is still subject to league approval, but the club's new owners - who also own Serie A Femminile side Como Women - have been regulars at games this season and head coach Charlotte Healy said she is in almost daily contact with Mecury13 chief strategy officer Hannah Haynes.

Bristol City were one of the WSL's founding clubs but have bounced between the top tier and WSL 2 in recent years, with three relegations - the most recent in 2024.

Healy was appointed this summer and 13 signings were made, including the return of former Wales international Sophie Ingle and former Brighton captain and Spain midfielder Vicky Losada.

They have won five of eight league matches this season, with their 20 goals scored the joint highest in the division.

"I'm really pleased with them and their application, where they're at," Healy said.

"We had a lot of change in the summer, brought in 13 new players, new manager, new staff - there's been a lot to do, a lot of learning that's taken place, but the girls have applied themselves brilliantly, they've gelled very quickly and we've played some good football."

Healy added: "A win on Sunday would be a big result because it closes the gap from four points to one, but ultimately it's about where you are at the end of the season."

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed