Erithacus

Not what many were expecting at the Gate tonight! Firstly, some 12,000 fans (with a large proportion Gooners or Lioness fans) at the ground will have brought a smile to the club, no doubt. Good to have them but I wonder how many will be there for the next games. Also good to see flagmeister Shahan on duty. Of course, the bottom line is: we lost. We are at the bottom of the table without a point to our name and this is not entirely unexpected. Early days, yes, but we may be looking at the possibility of not getting a point until mid season if we don't pick things up. Starting with a 5-4-1 out formation we set our stall out clearly to not give Arsenal an easy night. That also meant we would not be giving their keeper much to do. So it played out in the first half where we hardly had the ball for long and found it difficult to find a team-mate up field when we did. Too many times we simply whacked it long just to clear it, without having any real plan to retain the ball. That made it attack-v-defence for long periods. That said, we certainly didn't lie down and get rolled over (not like the first half of the Man City game); our defenders were up for the challenge and gave those international opponents a game they didn't want. Full marks for effort and desire. Rachel Furness was the leader in the middle of the park (our our half, moreover) and put in a really solid performance, giving the Arsenal midfield plenty to think about. Her closing down, defensive efforts and drive were outstanding, but began to fade a bit in the second half - understandably so. Her goal was beautifully taken and showed we weren't cannon fodder. The back line of three centre halves all got stuck in and defended bravely at times. Although unable to break upfield much at all, Ella Powell was determined and didn't give up much space. Ffi Morgan tried to open the flanks when the chance came but was up against some well-drilled defenders. Nominally the third choice keeper, Liv Clarke had a game to be proud of. Her handling and command of the box were up there with the injured Fran Bentley, making some vital stops and blocks. She didn't really have much chance with the two goals. So to sum up, another defeat but not without much credit. I suspect Lauren Smith will have been quietly delighted with the girls' efforts and application. There were many more positives than negatives. It was not in doubt that our first season back at the top table would be difficult and would test the resolve, but the time taken for the new players and systems to bed in is showing signs of working now. Hopefully there will be more to cheer in the next game at West Ham.

That's a real sickener. GWS Jess!

Not only England but the world as a whole has become the lesser for his departure. If you were to pick the all-time football XI his name would be on the list. And like others on that team sheet, if was not just a question of talent on the pitch, but the character and class off it. Along with the likes of Pele and Moore, the game has had no better examples.

Club is stating that 10,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday night's televised game against Arsenal. Good news, just hope the increased attendance will give the girls a boost.

I suppose the result may be seen as a positive, but the fact is we let in five from two dozen odd shots. That leaves us at the bottom of the table (thus far) without a point and -9 GD. Game four is home to Arsenal (who themselves are not setting the WSL alight yet) next Sunday evening. This league is going to be a real test of everythig this club has.

Sign him up to OTIB immediately!

Currently leading Arsenal at the Emirates!

Resurrection!

A change of player personnel for the Conti Cup and perhaps there are some good reasons to have such a line-up. I realise the trip to Man City on the weekend will be a priority and it's also an opportunity to see some of the other squad members. However, it is still a worry to see Fran and Abi off the charts. The new arrivals this summer are yet to really form an understanding (it will take time and patience) and it's the midfield where I feel much work is needed. Southampton are a good side (we remember the games last season) and gave us plenty to think about. Opening play was about defending and finding a way to stifle the visitors. Slowly we managed to force our way into the game and evened things out eventually. It was a rainy night but there were too many poor passes and hurried movements that went astray, leading to short passages of possession. Up front Shania Hayles was pretty much on her own and had few real breaks, although one in the first half ended up as a one-on-one. Rachel Furness was the driving force in the midfield, although she was usually found at the rear of it supporting the back line. Moving forwards was taxing and difficult. Despite staying right out wide for most of the time in possession, Jess Simpson didn't really cause too many problems; Ffi Morgan on the other wing was also kept quiet. Rachel Furness was always encouraging the rest of the players and was bravely on the end of a cross to score, perhaps against the run of play. Southampton scored with a sweeping move right after the restart, which upset the balance. They had a few other good chances but the game finished 1-1. Penalties are a slightly odd touch but perhaps good training. Second half subs seem to have been for tactical reasons (with the weekend in mind, perhaps) and it was good to see Brooke get some minutes - even if shee did miss a spot kick. Overall some encouraging performances and some players are possibly worth considering in the future but we need to establish ourselves and make a greater impact. The season is well underway!

Terrible injury for Basham, hope it's not so bad as some are fearing. Reminds me of Stan Collymore's break live on telly playing for Leicester: he was unmarked in the middle of the park, swivelled to fire a pass out to the wing, dropped onto his own ankle and cracked it. Often the case when there's no-one else involved that the injury is worse.

Some of his victims have given their blessing and contributed to the creation. Interestingly, the programmes are made by an ITV company, but are to be shown on the BBC. It gives the latter some distance in the blame game that will arise, seeing as many of those who sat on their hands were at the top of the corporation. Coogan himself has made great efforts to give the role gravitas and avoid any pantomine baddy style. It will either be a fabulously brave decision or be shot down in flames.

Most reports quote that she returns to Willie Kirk after coaching her early career here. She was certainly our best midfielder in recent seasons, so it was a disappointment to see her leave. Although she had a steady game today (mainly at the back of the midfield) her rocket to equalise was a definite blow.

New season, new level, new players, new hope but some old questions. How will the team gel, with many new faces and perhaps some new ideas? Firstly, great to see so many fans in the ground, helped by Shahan the flag monitor. Have to say the few turnstiles open at first did cause a bit of a lengthy queue (a familiar scene at Ashton Gate). Sad to note that Abi Harrison was not even in kit today - I really hope it's not an 'Alex Scott' kind of injury. The opening minutes of the game proved encouraging, with the girls getting a foot on the ball and making some progress going for goal. However, the visitors grew back and for much of the game were better at the fifty-fifties and we lost some momentum. They also appeared quicker around the pitch and had a better sense of position. With a relatively new midfield including Connolly and Rogers it was no real surprise that City's rhythm often looked a little ponderous. It was here that Leicester were able to keep us at bay at times. Furness was the main thrust but Ffion Morgan seemed to be set more as a wing back with cover responsibilities and was often behind play. After about half an hour, both Morgan and Powell swapped sides for a time but resumed after substitutions. Up front the new pairing of Thestrup and Jones were stifled and were kept largely out of range. Defensively, we had a solid set-up but it was cracked by the visitors who scored twice quickly after the break. Both were avoidable and defenders were caught out by livelier opponents. For the first game - and it's just the first of a long season - we looked a little short of pace and thinking at this level. I'm sure the coaches will be going through lots of points and will have plenty to work on this week. However, the general consensus appears to make this a game that will decide the lower end of the table. There will be others and we need to make sure we have a say in the outcomes.

Might that be Wednesday 13th December? If all the season card holders turn up at the RHPC for the Conti games there will be no seats left and loads standing around the sides of the pitch. Could be a good atmosphere if so. Looking forwards to a good football weekend now. COYR!

In that case then, it will be best if you give it a little time to get yourselves sorted when you arrive. Once you have a roof over your heads you can let us know and we'll give you the grand tour - or explain the eternal verities of life in Ashton Gate. Oh, and you realise you've set a challenge to make your missus part of the family.

Hi BigKiwi, Welcome! Wear red and you will have friends. Will this be your first visit to Bristol? And come to that, do you know where you will be living once you arrive? Forgive me probing but it would be useful to know in terms of overall understanding. Although you're right to make football the centre of the universe, Bristol has a lot of other things to offer.

A 'pre-season' performance, which started well but faded. Give Scotland credit, they are a good set-up and have several WSL players so there won't have been too many surprises last night. Yes, a win's a win but the game against the Dutch will be a better marker of our current state.

I feel social media is a very public way of using a mirror.

Yes, the Crown is still open for business. Last I heard it was run by the landlord who ran The Robbins previously. Keynsham are a good local club that are going through a bit of a downturn but are giving youth a good chance now. Worth a few of your English pounds to watch. One thing to note is the car park right beside the ground is private and has meters. Oh, and Stockwood Lane is a bit of a headache at times, so best go on the Bath Road and head off at Hicks Gate roundabout if anyone wants to see the Ks.

And a handful of former City girls too.

Don't know if this is already made public but are games at Ashton Gate POTD? With the increased attendances from visiting fans will there be any significant control over seating? Perhaps a little early for all that. As women's football grows it appears to follow the path of the men's game in so many respects.

The international fixtures have caused a good deal of discussion; Wiegman is one of several critics. It's worth noting there are a few missing from the squad as they are already injured (Walsh and England principally) and that is considered to be a result of excessive matches. After all it's only been less than a month since the World Cup Final. One other note: there is an Olympic ticket on offer for this tournament.

Two Danes in a row - how unusual. Hope they are ready for the WSL.

The Roy 'Chubby' Brown version was gleefully picked up by the Germans fans of what was the World League/NFL Europe in the years gone past. Always a treat to hear the whole crowd singing over the commentary. Different times.

Well that's one way to turn the clock back.