Bristol Ladies Union 1st v Bradley Stoke Ladies 1st, 13th September 2026
Our first home match of the season on a mild and wet day. The pitch was immaculate, which was a surprise after the dry Summer we’ve been through. Bradley Stoke arrived with an almost full squad, so they had 4 substitutes to choose from throughout the game. Conversely we were reduced to only 10 players, due to various illnesses and injuries.
The game got underway and BLU came out of the blocks with huge intent. I think there was a little surprise from the opposition that they weren’t going to be controlling play. Possession switched sides frequently, and the game was pretty even, but it was Bradley Stoke who opened the score-line at 6 minutes. BLU weren’t phased though, and again put pressure on and frequently getting into the final third. Both teams had chances in front of goal, and Bradley Stoke won themselves a few corners, capitalising again when we couldn’t quite clear the ball. Our response came in the 16th minute when Evie threaded the ball through a narrow gap and found the back of the net. If anything BLU were ramping up the pressure as the half progressed, and at 37 minutes Annabelle tore through the back line and equalised the score.
For the second half we made some slight adjustments to player positions, but really the plan was just carry on as before. Somehow the game became even more energised as the play switched end-to-end. Both keepers were kept busy, and at times both teams were showing signs of fatigue, but then coming back with even more gusto. Bradley Stoke snuck a goal in at 30 minutes and it was beginning to look like we might come away with no points. As a 10 player team we were understandably running low on steam, but so were the opposition. Down to the final 10 minutes and both teams found another gear. The ball was stuck around the midfield for a good 5 minutes, and then we had a series of corners in our favour. The corners were all taken well, but we couldn’t quite find the goal. Finally the ball came out of the 18 yard box, and it looked like we’d squandered the chance, but Imy came through and got on the end of it from 30 yards, firing the ball through everyone like a bullet straight into the back of the net. The last 5 minutes was full-on, and I’m sure the heart rates of the spectators was higher than any on the pitch.
The full-time whistle was a relief for everyone. Holding Bradley Stoke to a 3-3 draw with only 10 players was an excellent outcome, as Martin (Bradley Stoke’s coach) said to me at the end: If that’s how you play with 10 I’d hate to have to play you with a full side! Our Player of the Match was Lily, who played her debut game for BLU 1st and did an excellent job as goalkeeper. The Magic Moment was given to Evie for her aerial acrobatics as she was tackled, winning a perfect score of 10s from all judges.
