Women's Under-21s beaten by The Robins

Our Women’s Under-21s fell to a 3-1 defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday afternoon in the Professional Game Academy League Division Two.

Despite a strong opening quarter to the game for Nick Hardy’s side, the Robins, who have beaten London City Lionesses and Crystal Palace in their first two games of the second phase, found themselves with a two-goal lead inside the opening half hour.

Forward Mia Endacott netted her first competitive goal of the campaign on the stroke of half time to cut the deficit as Jhannie Pierre delivered a cross from the right and the ball fell to Endacott on the edge of the box who struck a low-driven effort into the bottom corner.

However, in the closing stages of the game as we pushed for an equaliser in the second half, the Robins reinstated their two-goal advantage in the closing stages of the game as we suffered our first loss in the second phase of the competition.

Reflecting on the performance, Hardy said: “I thought we really enjoyed a lot of control and possession in the first half and credit to the girls because, tactically, we were really good but unfortunately a couple of goals in moments that we should control better technically led to us being two-nil down.

“We managed to pull a goal back before break and we thought, during half time, we were close enough to make an impact in the second half and get something from the game. We felt a goal to bring us back on level terms would have gave us more belief and opportunities but, unfortunately, that didn’t come.

“We spent a lot of the second half in positive situations in their half, we were resilient enough and gave ourselves enough platforms, producing a number of crosses, creating opportunities from set pieces so, in reflection, maybe a story of ‘what if’ but a good opportunity to reflect and a good step in the development for the squad.”

“A great goal for her,” when asked about Endacott’s first goal of the campaign. “She has had a good few weeks, we spoke in training before the game and I felt she was performing like a goal was coming so it’s something she deserved and reflective of her performance.”

The Under-21s are back in action on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 1pm) as they face Millwall Lionesses in the first round of the Women’s Capital Cup.

The fixture will take place at The Den and supporters will have the opportunity to attend to watch the next generation of players at the Club.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for Under-18s in The Barry Kitchener Stand, and will be available to buy right up until kick-off.