Bristol City Women’s vs Arsenal Women’s

Ashton Gate Delights: Arsenal Women vs. Bristol City

Our Matchday 10 took an unexpected turn due to major flooding across the country, forcing the cancellation of the eagerly anticipated Bradford City vs. Wrexham game. But we weren’t going to let that dampen our spirits. The very next day, we embarked on a journey to Bristol for the Arsenal Women vs. Bristol City match. Thankfully, we could drive there without being impacted by the flooding that had disrupted road and rail services across the UK.

The drive was relatively smooth, with most of it along the M5 motorway. We noticed the severity of the flooding as we passed Worcestershire and nearby Tewksbury, sympathizing with those affected. Upon arriving in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge greeted us, a magnificent piece of architecture that added charm to our journey. We encountered some traffic under the bridge, but it allowed us to admire it even more.

Our next challenge was finding parking near Ashton Gate. The options were limited, and the closest one was charging a whopping £15.00, the most we’ve encountered on our football journey so far. It was a stark reminder of how parking fees can vary greatly. Luckily, we found a spot on a kerb, about five minutes away.

We arrived at the ground over an hour before kick-off and were pleasantly surprised by the number of fans outside. Both sets of supporters mingled together, creating a festive atmosphere. There were plenty of food and drink outlets, though prices were on the higher side. Liam received a Bristol City flag from a friendly steward, and we went in search of a matchday scarf, but the club store didn’t have any.

Inside the stadium, the concourse was impressive, wrapping around the stadium and filled with family activities. Liam took part in some of them, and we were treated to a performance by the National and World Champion Football Freestyler, Isabel Wilkins, who would also perform at half-time.

Our seats offered an excellent view, and the atmosphere was electric. Home and away fans sat together without any issues, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere. The game kicked off with flames and fireworks, capturing everyone’s attention. It was evident that women’s football was gaining popularity, and the turnout was impressive.

Although Arsenal dominated possession, Bristol City defended well, going into half-time level at 1-1. The second half saw Arsenal secure a 2-1 victory. Unfortunately, this result left Bristol City at the bottom of the Women’s Super League standings after four games. Despite 9 minutes of injury time, we decided to leave on the stroke of the 90th minute to avoid traffic, a decision that paid off as we encountered no delays on the journey home.

Next up, Matchday 11 – Derby County vs. Exeter City on October 24, 2023. We can’t wait for the next football adventure!