Bristol City secure WSL promotion after 4-0 win over Charlton
By Violet Turner
Bristol City secured promotion to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League with a 4-0 win against Charlton at a jubilant Ashton Gate.
After Birmingham City and London City Lionesses both won earlier in the day, only victory would do for City and they delivered a polished performance in front of a record 7,045 fans.
Goals from Grace Clinton, Abi Harrison, Brooke Aspin and Ffion Morgan made it a serene afternoon and they can now look forward to returning to England’s top tier after two seasons away.
City made a fast start at Ashton Gate, determined to put Charlton away and make it a comfortable afternoon, as Rachel Furness glanced a header just wide from a corner.
Striker Shania Hayles also went close with a close-range volley, as they piled on the pressure, and finally broke through 25 minutes in.
Clinton robbed Kiera Skeels on the edge of the Charlton box and then calmly passed the ball past Sian Rogers to put City ahead.
Hayles had a golden chance to double their lead but could only head straight at Rogers from close-range, as City took their 1-0 advantage to half-time.
But any sign of nerves creeping were soon dispelled as they doubled their advantage through Harrison, who scored directly from a corner on her 100th club appearance.
Charlton are fourth and have enjoyed a decent season, so they were always going to cause problems eventually, and only a fine save from Fran Bentley prevented Mel Johnson from halving the deficit.
The party really got started with 10 minutes to go, as Aspin sealed the points – and promotion – with a header from a corner, before Morgan thundered home a spectacular shot from long range.
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