Break gives Bristol Academy chance to freshen up

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: Mark Sampson is hoping a two-week break from action will give his Bristol Academy squad a chance to recharge their batteries.

The absence of the club's sizeable Welsh contingent on international duty has meant the postponement of this Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest – and the home clash with Birmingham City, which was scheduled for next Thursday.

Now their next fixture is likely to be a trip to Chelsea on November 1 for a third round League Cup clash – the Women's Premier League's management committee are expected to rubber-stamp a decision to put Bristol through to the last eight after Reading failed to raise a side to face them in the last round.

"We have a lot of injuries at the moment, so hopefully the break will allow the players to come back fit and fresh," said manager Sampson.

The Chelsea game will give Bristol a quick chance to try and avenge a 4-0 home National Division defeat by the Londoners last week – former Academy player Stef Curtis scored a hat-trick against her old club.

That was followed by a 4-1 home reverse at the hands of champions Arsenal on Sunday. Gemma Davison fired the Gunners in front before Sharla Passariello levelled, then Kim Little put the visitors ahead at the break. Katie Chapman and Davison added further goals in the second half.

Keynsham Town found themselves two goals down in the first five minutes as they slipped to a 6-3 defeat at Barnet.

Goals from Ana Bruni and Tanja Andjelkovic gave the Somerset club hope of launching a fightback, but they were always in arrears and Kayleigh Sage's late strike proved little more than a consolation.

Oldland Abbotonians' assistant boss Steve Lavis was again left to reflect on a lack of cutting edge after a 2-0 defeat by Chippenham in the Premier Division of the SW Women's League. "In general play we were as good, if not better, than Chippenham, but we didn't give their keeper too many worries," he said. "I think we have goals throughout our team, but we're not putting the ball away."

Bristol Ladies Union struggled to raise a team and, with players out of position, conceded six before the break as they went down 9-0 at Larkhall.

Carla Thomas scored a hat-trick and Trudy Hammond was also on target as Bristol & West booked their place in the second round of the Gloucestershire FA Women's Challenge Cup with a 4-1 victory over Cam. They travel to Tetbury in the next round on November 15.

Downend Flyers' reward for their 6-0 win over Dursley is a testing trip to Gloucester City, who hammered Yate Town 18-0. Katie Michael scored a hat-trick for Downend with Debbie Stacey, Karina Cockell and Laura Baker also on target.

St Nicholas – 4-0 winners over AEK Boco – also have a tough draw in the next round when they entertain Cheltenham Town.