What happened?
Bristol City went into the final day knowing they needed a win and for other results to go their way.
They suffered an early setback, however, when a short corner from Brighton made its way into the box and Maya Le Tissier volleyed it home to give the hosts the lead.
Brighton controlled the remainder of the first half at the People’s Pension Stadium, and almost doubled their lead before the break when Ellie Brazil went through on goal. It took a smart stop from Bristol goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley to keep her side’s survival hopes alive.
Brighton still managed to extend their advantage in the second half through Lee Geum-min.
While Abi Harrison pulled a goal back for Bristol, with 15 minutes remaining, Inessa Kaagman’s deflected free-kick hit the back of the net to put the tie beyond Bristol’s reach.
What went wrong for Bristol?
Bristol City narrowly avoided relegation last season — they finished three points ahead of relegated Liverpool, with the season curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manager Tanya Oxtoby will have had higher aspirations for this season, but Bristol have struggled all campaign.
They have won just two league games this season which included a 3-2 win over Reading and a 3-0 win over Brighton.
Their season has been a mixture of heavy losses, including a 9-0 defeat by Chelsea, and they have drawn six games.
They have struggled in front of goal, bagging just 18 goals in 22 games — which has been an issue throughout.
What next for Bristol?
Former West Ham manager Beard has been in charge of the team since Oxtoby went on maternity leave in January.
It has not been confirmed when Oxtoby will return to her role at the club but Bristol will need to find another interim manager as The Athletic reported recently that Beard is set to become the new Liverpool manager next season.
If Bristol are able to keep their developing youth players — like Ebony Salmon who received a call-up to the England senior squad earlier this year — and some of their summer signings, including the likes of Australian international Ella Mastrantonio, then Bristol will hope to be in contention to return to the WSL in the first time of asking.
(Photo: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
