Bristol Academy will play their first game since parting company with head coach Dave Edmondson when they host Notts County on Saturday. Edmondson’s dismissal came as a result of a dreadful start to the season that saw the Vixens crash out of the Champions League and lose all three of their opening league fixtures.
Notts County are also still searching for their first league win after defeat to WSL 1 leaders Chelsea on the first day of the season was followed by credible draws with Arsenal and Birmingham City away.
Boosted by the return of Ellen White this season, the Lady Magpies have been in fine form in the FA Cup, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa on their way to next weekend’s semi-final against Everton. However the Midlands side currently sit joint second from bottom in the league and will be hoping for victory against Bristol to keep their title hopes alive.
Despite Bristol being rooted to the bottom of the championship with no points to their name, County defender Fern Whelan has ruled out her side becoming complacent. “It’s going to be a tough battle against Bristol,” she said.
“They lost a few players in the close season, but still have an excellent team and are not going to give any points up easily.”
Bristol are hoping that their change off the pitch can spark a turn around on it, with former assistant first team coach Lauren Smith taking interim charge assisted by goalkeeping coach John Granville.
The Vixens will look to their key players to step up to the challenge with captain Grace McCatty leading the charge.
The defender said of her club’s current situation, “We didn’t want these results but we have learned a lot from them”.
“Things don’t always go your way, but the strength of a team can be measured in how you deal with it and whether you can bounce back. There is belief in the squad and we back ourselves to do that”.
Notts County will carry out a late check on the fitness of Alex Greenwood, after the player injured her knee during last week’s stalemate with Birmingham City but has since been cleared of any serious damage.
