Bristol City’s chances of remaining in the Women’s Super League boosted after Carrie Jones’ stunning goal secured a much-needed point on the road against Aston Villa.
Villa’s Jordan Nobbs opened the scoring after the midfielder struck her effort from range, but the lead was short lived after City’s Thestrup poked the ball home just one minute later.
Carla Ward’s Villa regained the lead once again after Adriana Leon converted from a narrowed angle but despite the dominance, City scraped a crucial point following Jones’ unstoppable strike.
Despite the point, Bristol remain bottom with just six points whilst the hosts Villa move level on points with Willie Kirk’s Leicester City.
A lively start from the hosts saw Kirsty Hanson test the keeper early on after Rachel Daly sent the number 20 through but her drilled low effort was met by the hands of Shae Yanez.
Bristol’s Yanez was called into action just moments later after Nobbs chipped the ball over to Kenza Dali who struck from range, but the midfielder’s shot was prevented.
The high-pressured start from Villa continued as Dali sent in a free kick which met the head of Daly, but the striker couldn’t keep her headed effort down.
The fast start eventually paid off for Carla Ward’s side after Jordan Nobbs’ long range shot struck the back of the net following Hanson’s perfectly weighted ball into the number eight.
Nobbs’ strike was instantly cancelled out as City’s Emily Syme passed the ball into the feet of Amalie Thestrup who poked the ball past Daphne Van Domselaar, drawing her side level.
Villa looked to regain the lead moments later after Nobbs and Leon link up once again down the right-hand side as the goal scorer looked to turn provider, but Leon’s strike drifted over.
The opening half came to a close with the hosts looking to regain the lead as newly recruited Noelle Maritz tried her luck from the edge of the D, but her strike blazed over.
Ward’s Villa side began as they left off as Leon drove the right wing, sending it into the feet of Dali who struck but Bristol’s keeper made the vital save.
After a lively opening 60 minutes from Leon, the Canadian was rewarded as she struck her side back into the lead following captain Rachel Corsie’s volley assist.
Embed from Getty ImagesVilla looked to gain a two-goal advantage just minutes later after Mayumi Pacheco broke through, sending the ball into Daly but the striker was unable to get on the end of it.
Despite Villa’s dominance, Bristol found themselves back level after Carrie Jones curled her edge of the area effort into the top corner, giving Van Domselaar no chance.
A late injury time scramble in the box and clearance off the line by Bristol City saw the Robins retain their survival hopes as they left with an important point on the road.
