Bristol City Women’s head coach Charlotte Healy described summer signing Rio Hardy as “superb” following the Robins’ 7-0 win over Ipswich Town in the Women’s Super League 2.
Hardy made her eighth league appearance for City against the Tractor Girls on Saturday afternoon, scoring a brace with goals on either side of half-time, while Sophie Ingle, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Maria Farrugia and academy graduate Isabel Hebard were also on the scoresheet for the Reds.
Hardy scoring her first goal against Ipswich Town
Her two goals took her tally for the season up to five, placing her joint-first in the WSL 2 top scorers list alongside Sunderland forward Emily Scarr and Durham’s long-range specialist Beth Hepple.
“She’s superb,” The City boss declared post-match, “She sets the press for us, she works so hard, she forces teams to turn the ball over and that’s where we really hurt teams, on regains, [when we] win the ball, play forwards and we play through people’s shapes.
“Rio’s a massive part of that, and I’m really pleased for her to get her goals today”
🗣️ #BristolCity Women's head coach Charlotte Healy praised summer signing Rio Hardy's impact against Ipswich Town and over the season so far.
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The 29-year-old joined the Reds in July, signing a two-year contract in BS3 after spending two seasons with Scottish Women’s Premier League side Rangers, where she competed in the Champions League qualifying rounds, as well as twice winning the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup.
The Cumbria-born striker was prolific across both SWPL campaigns, scoring 21 goals in her first season, before recording 22 the following year for the Gers.
Since joining Bristol City, Hardy has started in every league fixture and was named the club’s player of the month for October as a result of the impact that she has had, both in terms of her goal contributions, as well as her mentality and impact off-the-ball, as Healy was quick to emphasise.
“The goal where she’s pressed down the back pass, that sums her and her attitude up,” she stated, “You need people like that in your team who really can take the game by the scruff of the neck and make sure we’re at it for 90 minutes”.
Hardy celebrating her brace against Ipswich Town.
“I’m really proud of her, she’s contributed massively to us so far this season, so [I’m] pleased for her to get a couple of goals today.”
