Bristol Academy WFC

After a break for the International matches Bristol Academy return to FA WSL action on Saturday when they welcome Everton Ladies to the Stoke Gifford Stadium for an evening kick off.

Vixen’s manager Mark Sampson spoke to bristolacademywfc.co.uk to share his views on his team’s upcoming match.

“Everyone at the club was very proud to see Siobhan help England to qualification for the Euros as well so many of our player’s play a key role in Wales’ excellent two wins over Republic of Ireland and Israel. Tash scored a competitive International hat trick for Wales which is a fantastic achievement for her and also Jess was named Captain of her country for the first time which is a great honour for both her and our football club. We are always very proud to produce players who can compete on the International stage; I believe experience of the International environment can only help our players. The face last week that Grace and Jemma also gained valuable experience away with England U23’s combined with Jaz Matthews’s recent inclusion in the England U19 squad it is fantastic to see now our players being recognised at International level for their performances on a weekly basis for us.

Always after an International break we will need to assess the player’s condition before making our final decision on selection for Saturday. The players who have stayed with us have had a positive mixture of intense training and recovery time so they will all be fresh for the match Saturday. We are hopeful Jaz Matthews, Alex Windell and Michelle Green will be back in contention which will give the group a real boost to have players of the quality of those three back in the squad.

Having won away at Everton last time out we will need to be ready again to perform to our maximum levels come Saturday against an excellent Everton team. Every game at this level is very different so the result last time out will have very little impact on the match Saturday. To be competitive at this level we have to perform as close to our maximum as we possibly can in every single area of the game. We have a young group of players who are working hard to keep developing their game and understanding more ways they can help the team. The group really have a fantastic spirit which will be again really tested on Saturday.”

The Vixen’s home match against Everton is this Saturday 23rd June 6pm kick off at the Stoke Gifford Stadium. Tickets are available on the gate priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions