Manchester City Women 8-1 Bristol City Women: Robins side depleted by Covid-19 thrashed in WSL

Manchester City thrashed a depleted Bristol City side upset that their Women’s Super League match went ahead despite them missing five first-team players because of Covid-19.

The visitors started impressively and Ebony Salmon’s strike made it 1-1 after Sophie Baggaley’s own goal.

But Laura Coombs hit the hosts’ second on 39 minutes and they romped home.

England midfielder Keira Walsh grabbed the third goal with a fine strike from outside the box and a low Lucy Bronze shot following good work by Walsh ensured a 4-1 interval lead at Academy Stadium.

The home dominance continued against a tiring Bristol City, with Bronze teeing up a close-range fifth for Georgia Stanway.

Ellen White slid in the home side’s sixth goal after some good approach play from substitute Jill Scott and White laid on a close-range seventh for Janine Beckie, who became City’s eighth different goalscorer of the afternoon.

White then grabbed her second of the game, scoring from six yards to wrap up a win which is Manchester City’s record league victory and takes them up to fourth place, a point above a Chelsea side who have two games in hand.

Bristol City put in ‘awkward position’

Oxtoby had said prior to kick-off the game should have been postponed.

“I am really disappointed and upset for the staff and players,” she said. “Our job is to try to keep them safe and I feel like we have been put in a really awkward position.”

A Bristol City statement said: “One player developed Covid-19 symptoms overnight and, as a result of players living in shared housing, Charlie Wellings, Gemma Evans, Ella Mastrantonio, Abi Harrison and Meaghan Sargeant are now isolating.

“Four of the isolating players were part of the squad for City’s Continental Cup tie at Crystal Palace on Thursday evening and the club has expressed concerns to the FA over the health risk of players from City and Manchester City at playing another game within 48 hours.

“The FA has directed that this afternoon’s game should go ahead and Bristol City has accordingly drafted in players from the club’s academy.”