Bristol City Vixencast
By Bristol City Vixencast
Bristol City VixencastSep 20, 2023
Season 5 #1 Back in the Big Time - 23/24 Season Preview
#54 Promotion! Promotion! Promotion! Special - 23/04/2023
Hugest congratulations to the players, coaching and backroom staff. It's an incredible achievement and we're excited for what comes next. In Lauren in trust.
So sit back, relax and enjoy our dissection of the match. Drink in hot takes on pivotal games and players of the season, and savour our hopes for the WSL future to come.
Thanks as ever for listening!
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Theme music: The Derelict Casino :: Pulse Burst
Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#53 Lewes (H), London City Lionesses (H) & so many other things - 12/02/2023
What a busy month it has been for Bristol City Women and, so far, we've not covered any of it!
D-M & Nat catch their breath and discuss four weeks of football packed with endless incident, on and off the pitch.
We talk through a productive January transfer window, which has seen our squad bolstered with three quality players in defence, midfield and attack.
Then we dissect the game of the season versus London City Lionesses and the tricky after-party against Lewes.
Thanks, as ever, for listening.
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Theme music: The Derelict Casino :: Pulse Burst
Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#52 Coventry Utd (H) - 15/01/2023
2-1 down with 5 minutes to play, you say?
An injury time comeback with an Abi Harrison wonder-heed winner in the 90+7 minute?
Well, we didn't see that coming, but: Coventry Utd came for a battle, and the RHPC regulars were treated to a dramatic start to 2023.
D-M and Nat talk through the ebbs and flows of City's 3-2 victory against a dogged - and impressive - Coventry team.
We celebrate a fantastic debut from academy product Mari Ward and make the argument for Harrison down the middle (always). We relive that Jodie Hutton pass and - of course - the outrageous Harrison winner.
London City Lionesses, we're coming for you!
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
Theme tune: 'At Pace' by Annie Gardiner
#51 - Festive Special - Charlton (A), Durham (A), Southampton (H) - 27/12/22
#50 - Bir-ming-ummed - Birmingham (H) - 20/11/2022
Death, taxes, and Bristol City Women losing at home to Birmingham City Women.
D-M and Nat spend the 50th Vixencast grousing about our 1-0 loss to the Blues at Ashton Gate Stadium - a defeat that sees us slip to second place in the Barclays Women's Championship, a point behind London City Lionesses.
It was an off-day for many players wearing red, even if Shania Hayles, Ella (MF) Powell and Lia Cataldo had some great moments.
Ultimately Birmingham - who were orchestrated from the sidelines by everyone's favourite women's football pantomime villain Jo Potter - impressively out-muscled, disrupted, dark-arted and out-smarted City Women.
We discuss if playing at Ashton Gate puts us at a home disadvantage, and what needs to be done to improve the atmosphere in and around the stadium.
Thanks, as ever, for listening.
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Theme music: The Derelict Casino :: Pulse Burst
Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#49 Five Points Clear - Sheffield United (A), Crystal Palace (H), Charlton Athletic (A)
#48 Just Like Watching Brazil - Crystal Palace (H) (Conti Cup) - 02/10/2022
D-M and Nat savour the best bits from City's impressive dispatch of Championship rivals Crystal Palace in a sweltering Conti Cup group tie.
There were goals, goals, goals (four to be precise) and we could have had a lot more.
Abi Harrison's shooting season is off the mark and there were outstanding performance across the pitch. Liv Clark's first start saw her keep a brilliant clean sheet, with key saves at crucial moments. Maddi Wilde nibbled at Palace's ankles all afternoon, and she demonstrated that she has has a defence-splitting pass in her locker too.
More awesomeness from Cataldo and Layzell at the back, and a beefy performance from Chloe Bull showed the RHPC another side to her game. Palmer was sublime in central midfield, and Hutton provided for Harrison's second in what was probably Bristol's most accomplished team goal of the season.
And we haven't even mentioned Mustaki's muscle (and first Bristol goal), Morgan's lightning fast interplay and Syme's sumptuous finish, which arrowed into the bottom corner like she was pretending to be Kevin Costner. It was just like watching Brazil.
Bring on the Blades!
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Theme music: The Derelict Casino :: Pulse Burst
Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#47 Too Close For Comfort - Southampton FC (H) - 25/09/2022
Bristol City and Southampton FC share the spoils at Ashton Gate in a tense encounter played before a 3637 strong crowd.
Is it time to bring in segregated - or at least designated - seating for home and away fans for games at the Gate? [Spoiler Alert: YES].
We discuss this, along with the finer footballing points from what was probably Bristol's best performance of the season so far.
In particular, we focus on the Syme-Palmer first half masterclass, the zippy interplay of Morgan, Hayles & Harrison, more brilliance from Layzell and Morgan's excellent top corner finish.
We lament Southampton's inevitable early second-half counter-punch, and wonder how we weren't awarded a penalty. We're still unbeaten, still top of the league, and the gears are grinding in the right direction. C'mon!
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Theme music: The Derelict Casino :: Pulse Burst
Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#46 Better Late Than Never! Coventry United (A), Blackburn Rovers (H), Sunderland (H)
#45 Sunderland (A) - 01/05/2022 + End of Season Special
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss City Women's final hurrah of the season, a 2-2 thriller away at Sunderland.
We also talk in depth about the season past, and the season to come. We wonder who will come and who will stay; whether we will truly go for promotion to the WSL, knowing that our star players - Abi Harrison & Aimee Palmer - are sure to leave at the end of 22/23 season if we don't. We chat best and worse away days (thank you Craig Hadley) and salivate at the return of the greatest rivalry in women's football - Bristol City Women vs Birmingham City Women, a.k.a., the BCWFC derby. And, of course, we look forward mostly to the new kit reveal.
Our big news is the Vixencast is taking a sabbatical for the 22/23 season. So that means no (regular) episodes over the next year. We've been going at this podcast lark hammer and tong since 2019, now it's time for a rest. Thank you to everyone who has listened, enjoyed and contributed to the podcast - we really appreciate all the input and support.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#44 London City Lionesses (H) - 24/04/2022
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City Women's comprehensive slaying by London City Lionesses in the final home game of what has been, overall, a rejuvenating 21/22 season. The Vixens were undone by LCL's sharp attacking prowess and harrying midfield press which pinned us in our half for large portions of the game. City rarely threatened LCL, aside from the customary Abi Harrison goal; her 21st of the season. In truth we had a bad day at the office, and LCL had a very good one. They now leapfrog us into second place in the FAWC table.
There was a rare start for Sophie Whitehouse in goal, and academy product Maddi Wilde made her first full league debut at right back. In the first half the City defence arguably struggled to adjust to these changes, and Whitehouse's very different goalkeeping style. Aspin and Murray made uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to goals, and Whitehouse was hesitant to come off her line which gave LCL forward Karin Muya the time she needed to pick her spot, and crash in LCL's third. Even so, the defence settled in the second half, and Whitehouse commanded her six-yard area well. Will she get another outing next week at Sunderland?
We talk admiringly of Ella Powell's athleticism and power, praise sparky moments from Ffion Morgan and respond to the shock news that Flo Allen is retiring from professional football at the tender age of 22. Thanks for the memories, Flo, and all the very best for your future endeavours.
We also discuss the end of season awards, with Abi Harrison winning Player of the Year & the Golden Boot, and Fran Bentley winning Young Player of the Year. Follow us, rate us, subscribe to us:
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#43 Coventry United (H) - 17/04/2022
Spoils were shared at the RHPC in a 1-1 Easter Sunday battle between our beloved Vixens and Coventry United, who are scrapping hard for their FAWC lives.
In an entertaining game filled with incident and action, D-M, Nat & Shahan salute the welcome return of Mel Johnson to the starting XI. Lia Cataldo's hard-working wing back play gets a special mention, and we pick over our current issues with ball retention, especially in midfield areas.
There were also quite a few dodgy decisions from the officials, in particular the failure to call a blatant offside in the lead-up to Coventry's equaliser. That said, we give Coventry their dues: they dug in and deserved their goal, and the point. Given the challenges Coventry have faced this season - the brutal threat of liquidation, announced days before Xmas, followed by the injustice of their points deduction - their refusal to be beaten is inspiring. We wish them all the best for the remaining games.
Oh, and apologies for the slight hiss in the background of this recording - we had some technical issues that will be fully resolved next time around.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#42 Liverpool (H) - 03/04/2022
Even a record-breaking 5752 Ashton Gate crowd couldn't spoil Liverpool's promotion party last Sunday, as the Scouse Reds beat the West Country Reds in an entertaining 4-2 match.
D-M, Nat & Shahan dive into an eventful top of the table clash that sealed Liverpool's return to the top flight of women's football. With so many Vixens in Disguise in the Liverpool team - and one of our old favourites bagging a goal - we take a bit of time to process our complicated feelings!
We discuss Bristol's undoing on the day: set-piece fragilities, cruelly exposed by Megan Campbell's bewildering projectile throws, and our lack of physicality in the midfield.
Are Satara Murray and Brooke Aspin Bristol's best ever central defence pairing? We tackle the question, hard, and celebrate being part of the unstoppable growth of women's football.
Will the promotion party be ours next season? Where will it take place? Birmingham, perhaps? And will we, too, wear a red-perm wig as we celebrate?
All will be revealed, in a year or so's time. Until then - enjoy - and see you at the RHPC on Easter Sunday, when we play Coventry United.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#41 Watford (H) - 13/03/2022
'Appy Days! Bristol City Women win again, scoring three goals - again!
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss the latest triumph at the Robins High Performance Centre - a 3-1 dispatch of a struggling Watford side - and last weekend's 3-0 victory away at Lewes, following away wins against Durham & London City Lionesses.
We reflect on the Vixens' newfound ability to 'win ugly', producing score-lines that flatter our on-pitch performances.
We cover the welcome return of Ava Kuyken's midfield discipline, Abi Harrison's goal scoring wonders and consistently inspirational performances from Aimee Palmer, who has grown into her role as captain - and engine - of the team.
We also engage with a very important topic: chips. Yes, chips. Those fried potato things that are a scarce commodity at the RHPC.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#40 Crystal Palace (H) - 06/02/2022
Happy 4-0th episode to the Bristol City Vixencast!
We are celebrating in style, with a quick off the mark victory against Crystal Palace at a vociferous RHPC.
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's return to pre-Christmas form, with classy goals from Abi Harrison, Chloe Bull and a whipped in windy classic from an Aimee Palmer corner. We reflect on great performances from Gwen Davies & Naomi Layzell, and wonder why Mel Johnson can't buy a goal.
4-0 flatters the visitors, whose keeper Emily Orman repeatedly kept the City shooters out.
The good feelings are back but there's a tricky set of away fixtures to come. Durham on 13 February, then the rearranged London City Lionesses fixture on 27 February. After that it's down to the Dripping Pan to see season 21/22's familiar faces Lewes, on 6 March.
Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, though. We should enjoy this moment, City fans, because the team smashed it today. Truly.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#39 Charlton Athletic (H) - 23/01/2022
D-M, Nat & Shahan are back for 2022, and console each other after a bruising 2-0 defeat against a physical and formidable Charlton Athletic side.
Our visitors could well be this season’s bogey team: they beat us in the reverse fixture with a cruel, last-minute winner. They beat us comprehensively today in front a record-breaking crowd of 956 at the Robins High Performance Centre.
In truth, the Vixens were out-smarted and out-muscled in every area of the pitch. No one in red had a good game, although Fran Bentley pulled off some stellar saves.
This fixture has come at the end of a big week for City. Our season kicked into life again last Sunday with a 1-0 away win against Blackburn. Then there was a hard mid-week 3-1 loss against WSL high-flyers Man City in the Conti-Cup quarter final (which we also cover in this episode).
You couldn’t blame the team for being a bit tired. Obviously that's not an excuse, but it does put the performance into context.
Perhaps the biggest winner this weekend was Bristol City Football Club itself. The partnership with Her Game Too undoubtedly helped drive that record-breaking crowd to the RHPC. Let’s hope those supporters come back and get behind the team in the weeks to come. We’d love to see it!
Onwards to Southampton FC in the FA Cup 4th Round next Sunday!
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#38 Twitter Space Xmas/End Of Year Special 2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan bring you a special, one-off Vixencast, looking back at City Women's played games in December 2021; the emphatic 5-0 win against Lewes in the Women's FA Cup, & the final Conti Cup group game away at Crystal Palace, which saw Erin Foley make her impressive debut between the sticks. We also look back on the year the team have had, and what we can expect in 2022.
This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday 22/12/2021, live on Twitter spaces, where we invited fans, players, staff members to listen in & discuss. There were some shaky technical issues on the night, however these have all been looked at & are addressed when you listen back to this edit.
Thanks to everyone who listened, subscribed, followed, contributed, commented, messaged, shared in 2021. We'll be back with regular episodes in 2022. Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, and stay safe & healthy!
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#37 Watford (A) - 21/11/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan bring you a bumper Vixencast, covering City Women’s victories against Lewes in the Conti-Cup and Watford – our first away win in the league this season!
Has 3 become a magic number for Bristol? With 3 points and 3 goals per game in the last 3 games, it may well have. We pick out our favourite moments from an impressive run for the Vixens, which leaves us nestled in 5th position in FA Women's Championship.
We also get Bullish, talking Chloe's football intelligence and Jasmine's impressive first team debut. There's international call-up chat, as we ponder exactly what has sparked Abi Harrison's glorious form this season. We also preview the final 3 games of 2021 - a mystery (to be revealed on 29 November) FA Cup fixture on 12 December; our final Conti-Cup group hoedown with Crystal Palace on 15 December; and an away day on the 19 December at the FAWC's best-looking franchise, London City Lionesses. Love that!
If all of this wasn't enough, there's also an interview with Bristol City mega fan and Her Game Too co-founder Leah Case. Thanks for the interview, Leah! Follow Leah @leahbcfc and Her Game Too @hergametoo
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#36 Blackburn Rovers (H) - 14/11/2021
Women's Football Weekend served up a treat for City Women fans, old and new. Our team convincingly dispatched of Blackburn Rovers in front of a record crowd at Ashton Gate Stadium. In reality, we could have scored more. Mel Johnson and Ava Kuyken both hit the bar, and countless other chances were foiled by good saves and wasteful finishing. Lauren Smith will know there's more work to do if Bristol are to become a clinical, all conquering team.
D-M, Nat & Shahan dive into a fantastic squad performance which saw first team debuts for Gwen Davies, Lily Greenslade and Maddi Wilde. Flo Allen excelled in the first half, linking up well with Aggie Beever-Jones. Beever-Jones was magnificent, especially as the game wore on. She bagged her first home goal of the season with a deft angled strike, late in the second half. Abi Harrison scored yet again, putting in a captain's performance that continues to inspire.
City Women have found their groove this season, but it's clear there's still room to grow. Our next big challenge is to become as formidable away as we are at home. With this talented bunch, who are gaining in confidence with every match, surely this is only a matter of time.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die! COYR!
#35 Coventry United (A) - 08/11/2021
Damn that 3G pitch! What a bad picture. Don't get upset, it's not a major disaster.
City Women pick up a sneaky point on the road at Coventry United. D-M, Nat & Shahan reflect on a disjointed contest, full of niggles and awkward bounces.
Abi Harrison saves the day yet again, banging home an equaliser after Chloe Bull's looping shot ratcheted off the crossbar.
After experiencing that, we're off to read a raunchy debut novel, first seen advertised at the Butts Park Arena. Then on to Ashton Gate Sunday, for a tantalising clash against Blackburn Rovers. See you there!
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#34 Sheffield United (H) - 31/10/2021
Goals 'n Ghouls!
Yes! Bristol City served up a pulsating 5-1 Halloween victory against Sheffield United at the Robins High Performance Centre. The Vixens fell behind early but hit back with two goals in quick succession. Abi Harrison scored with yet another cultured finish and captain Aimee Palmer blasted City ahead. Palmer then bagged her second of the game - City's third - straight in from a corner at the start of the second half. Chloe Bull headed home on her league debut; Mel Johnson capped off a strong afternoon by scoring our fifth.
The goal tally is impressive but, in truth, there were sparkling performances all across the pitch. This is a City side bristling with confidence, belief and ability.
It was a performance we all knew they were capable of but have, so far this season, not delivered. The momentum is ours - onward to Coventry next Monday. Let's keep pushing, believing, winning.
Doom, Natmare & Shahan Miaaaaaaaahhh coo over the talking points from the match, slot in a few Halloween jokes here and there and salute our visitors from Manchester who finally - finally! - gave Aimee Palmer a song.
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#33 Charlton Athletic (A) - 10/10/2021
Ouch! That one hurt, didn't it?
D-M, Nat & Shahan pick apart Bristol City's last-minute away defeat to a high-pressing Charlton Athletic side that was full to the brim with Vixens in disguise. Some of those players - notably Ella Rutherford & Megan Wynne - sadly combined to feed Emma Follis for her 92nd minute winner. Boo!
But, to be fair, it wasn't all that bad. We talk over what was, in truth, a pretty good performance. Bristol still need to be more clinical in front of goal but we had plenty of chances, and we fired lots of shots at the Charlton goal. There were composed performances from Jesse Wooley and Aggie Beever-Jones, who both showed football intelligence, hard-work and commitment to the team. Lia Cataldo had a good one too, with some quick-witted defending and surging forward runs. And there's Abi Harrison's excellent finish to cherish. Could we have come away with a point? Should we have? We think so! Of course we do.
Make no mistake, Charlton were very good indeed. We'll get them back at the RHPC though, don't you worry.
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#32 Sunderland (H) - 03/10/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan pick through their absolute joy with City Women's superb 2-1 victory against Championship front-runners Sunderland at an excessively rainy Robins High Performance Centre.
We celebrate the wondrous footballing talents of Brooke Aspin; discuss canny formations and the value of playing the right players in the right position; we wonder if Sunderland - including ex-Vixen legend Grace McCatty - had an off day but also savour a fantastic team performance that has left all Bristol supporters buzzing.
More of this please, every time!
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#31 Durham (H) - 26/09/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan mull over a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against a clinical, well organised Durham side.
In a game that saw Bristol City out-smarted and out-muscled by the Championship's journeywomen, we talk over wasted set pieces and questionable refereeing decisions.
Izzy's Cook's impressive debut, Abi Harrison's relentless toil and Fran Bentley's fancy footwork get notable mentions too.
Onwards to Sunderland next Sunday at the RHPC!
Thanks to Lauren Smith for our Vox-pop!
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We play out with 'Devil Deep' by Annie Gardiner, composer of the Vixencast theme tune. The song is from Annie's new album Bloodletting. You can listen and pre-order the album here: https://anniegardiner.bandcamp.com/album/bloodletting-2
#30 Liverpool (A) - 12/09/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan ruminate on a drama-filled 0-0 away draw with Matt Beard's Liverpool.
We talk clean sheets and Fran Bentley brilliance; spicy sending offs; (double) Vixens in disguise; away day adventures and mid-table magic.
We reflect on a season that has, so far, brought us a very respectable loss, win and a draw.
There's also news of a landmark MOU, signed between Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust and the football club.
Finally, we look ahead to a tantalising run of home games against foreboding foes from the north-west, an away fixture against Charlton and a Conti-Cup group opener at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, against Reading.
Thanks to Jesse Woolley for our Vox-pop. You are a ledge!
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#29 Lewes (H) - 05/09/2021
Bristol City were hot, hot, hot versus Lewes in our first competitive home game of the season.
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss what we see saw happen at a sweltering Robins High Performance Centre.
We ruminate on starting games slowly but always coming back, impact subs, Abi Harrison's equaliser - worthy of her personalised car number plate, Simi Simi Simi Jhamat after midnight, waving at Nigel Pearson and getting 3 - yes, 3! - valuable points on the board.
Yes, that's right folks. Bristol City's FAWC campaign is up and running - we loved being there to see it, alongside 507 or so other raucous supporters.
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#28 Crystal Palace (A) - 29/08/2021
New season, new us!
D-M & Nat pick out five talking points from the first game of the 2021/22 season - a 4-3 away defeat to Championship fighters Crystal Palace.
We talk majestic Satara Murray, troublesome 4G pitches, tattoo parlours in Bristol, football Super-Nans and Goals, Goals, Goals.
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#27 2021/22 FA Women's Championship Season Preview
All change at the good ship Bristol City Women for the 2021/22 season!
If you're feeling confused about who left (um, that's just about everyone), who stayed & who arrived, the Bristol City Vixencast's 2021/22 Season Preview episode will fill you in!
D-M, Nat & Shahan go over everything you need to know as we get ready to launch into the unknown waters of Championship football.
We're excited, though, and can't wait to settle into our new home at the Robins High Performance Centre, BS8, and make some noise.
We've got our season cards already. Have you?
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#26 Lewes (Pre-Season) (H) - 15/08/2021
D-M & Nat rattle through five talking points from new look Bristol City's entertaining 2-2 pre-season encounter with fellow Championship strivers Lewes.
We are wowed by Brooke Aspin & the quality of the academy teenage whizz kids, coo with excitement about two excellent Abi Harrison finishes and reflect on the nice vibe at the Robins High Performance Centre. We talk Jess Wooley on the wing and break a transfer exclusive!
Oh, and there's a world class cup of tea that's mentioned as well.
Bring on the new season!
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#25 Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - 09/05/2021
Woe betide us! Bristol City Women have finally been relegated to the Championship.
We had a feeling it was coming, but it took until the last day of the season to happen.
D-M, Nat & Shahan talk you through Bristol City's final 90 minutes in the Barclays FA Women's Super League. We also pick apart; in sordid detail; what else has gone wrong this season. There are positive voices to be heard! Thanks to Brighton fan Natalie Ellis who gives her thoughts on the game. You can find her on Twitter @NatNatnat85
Overall, we take solace in the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth that is the life of a football supporter. There is a new season - and new kits - on the horizon. There are new grounds to visit, too! Bring on the Championship, we'll be ready.
Thank you to everyone who has listened to the Bristol City Vixencast this season. We'll be back soon.
Until then, stay safe, keep well and enjoy the summer.
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Vixens ‘Til We Die!
#24 Manchester United (H) - 02/05/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's penultimate game of the season - a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United.
We reflect on chances missed, a lack of midfield intensity over 90 minutes and an impressive performance from Faye Bryson.
There are celebrations, too, for the welcome return of Jess Woolley after 19 months on the sidelines.
Thanks to Shane from Man United's Barmy Army for sharing his thoughts on the action. Follow them @barmyarmyMUWFC.
We also look ahead to Sunday's last chance saloon against Brighton and reveal the winner of the Bristol City Vixencast 'Sophie Trophy'.
There were a few technical challenges during the recording of this week's episode. We did our best, but apologise for the poor sound quality at times!
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#23 Aston Villa (A) - 24/04/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's heart-stopping away draw with fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
Super subs Ella Mastrantonio & Faye Bryson came on to save the day, but was it too little, too late?
We try to look on the Bryson of life in this episode, but with two tricky games left to play - next week at home to Manchester United, then away at Brighton - the facts are clear: we're running out of chances to snatch the points we need to stay in the Barclays FA WSL.
We hear from Aston Villa Women Supporters Club member Chris Kavanagh who shared his thoughts on the game. Thanks to Chris and all the best for the remainder of the season. You can follow him @manhatton45 and @AVW_SC.
We also discuss Bristol City's 1-0 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend and reflect on a successful international break for some of the Vixens.
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Thanks for listening! Vixens ‘Til We Die
#22 Arsenal (H) - 04/04/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss yet another 4-0 loss at Twerton Park, this time against the slinky ballers of Arsenal, spearheaded by Vivianne Miedema. Over the years, the Dutch striker has often been a painful thorn in Bristol City's side. Today was no different. Even so, Sophie Baggaley was in fine form to stop her from scoring yet another hat trick against us. Hurrah!
With the season coming to a nail-biting crescendo, we also discuss the run-ins for each side fighting for top-flight survival.
We also talk international call-ups for several Bristol players and applaud Flo Allen's campaign to be elected to the PFA Players' Board. #VoteFlo!!
Special thanks to Clare Tebbutt, fan of Arsenal (and the Vixencast!) for sharing their thoughts on today's game.
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#21 Birmingham City (A) - 28/03/2021
Honours even at Damson Park as Bristol City play out a competitive, 1-1 away draw with Birmingham City.
The Vixens keep moving up the table, one hard-fought point at a time. We now sit at the giddy heights of 10th in the Barclays FA WSL. Catch us if you can, Villa and West Ham!
D-M, Nat & Shahan chew over all the main talking points from the match, including Charlie Wellings’ goal against her childhood club; more goalkeeping excellence from Sophie Baggaley; the impressively loud shouting of Matt Beard, and the somewhat controversial kit change.
We also look ahead to Arsenal’s visit to Twerton Park next week.
With massive thanks to Craig Hadley from the Brum is Blue podcast for his thoughts on the game.
You can find them on Twitter @craighadlee @BrumIsBlue
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#20 Manchester City (H) - 17/03/2021 & Tottenham Hotspur (A) - 21/03/2021
D-M, Nat and Shahan dive into another busy week for Bristol City Women; from the 3-0 midweek loss against Champions League contenders Manchester City to the 1-1 draw against relegation playmates Tottenham Hotspur.
We discuss the squad changes in both games (and the commentary in them), Ellen Jones living rent free in Sam Mewis' head, wonder where Charlie Wellings is (Bradley Stoke? Stoke on Trent? Somewhere on the River Trent?) and highlight Abi Harrison, Sophie Baggaley, and our Brecon Beacon at the back, Gemma Evans.
We look ahead to yet another 'relegation six-pointer' next Sunday, this time against Birmingham City.
Special thanks to the contributions Jayne Comer @blueberry1894 of Manchester City Women FC Official Supporters Club @MCWFC_OSC and Finley Chung @finleychung10 of Lillywhite Corner Podcast @LillywhitesPod
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#19 Chelsea (Conti Cup Final) - 14/03/2021
D-M, Nat and Shahan chew over another disappointing, if not entirely unexpected, Chelsea drubbing, in the Continental Cup Final at Vicarage Road.
We talk about this now being Chelsea 20-0 Bristol City over three games played this season (unless we get them in the upcoming FA Cup campaign), the largesse of Chelsea sponsor Three’s promotional hampers and Gemma Evans' mystery thigh tattoo.
We also feature part of a conversation with Bristol City legends Grace McCatty and Corinne Yorston, recorded during our Conti-Cup Final Watch-Along, that was run in partnership with Bristol City Supports Club and Trust. Thanks to everyone who came along to this event, and especially to Grace and Corinne. If you'd like to join the Supporters Club & Trust, please visit www.bristolcitysupporters.org
Many thanks to Rob Pratley, Senior Editor of The CFCW Social, who shares his thoughts on the game.
You can find him on Twitter @RJPJournalism @TheCFCWSocial
You can also find Grace McCatty on Twitter @gracemccatty, Corinne Yorston @corinneyorston, and Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust @BristolCitySCT
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#18 Reading (H) - 08/03/2021
Back from the international break, D-M, Nat and Shahan talk – a lot – about that game at Ashton Gate. It was a bad night for the Royals. Sound familiar?
We max out on an extraordinary footballing spectacle, in what is already being described as the best WSL game of the season. Under the floodlights on a feelgood International Women’s Day, Matt Beard’s Vixens showed us exactly what they are capable of.
We relive a glorious team performance - those goals by Wellings, Purfield and Salmon - and celebrate no longer being bottom of the league. There's also the matter of our brief socially-distanced encounter with ex-Bristol Academy & England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, who was doing commentary.
We also report on all the latest City Women news and look forward to Sunday’s Conti-Cup final against Chelsea.
Thanks to Rob from Reading Women fans group for sharing his thoughts on the game too.
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Thanks for listening! Vixens ‘Til We Die
#17 Chelsea (H) - 14/02/2021
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City’s somewhat inevitable home defeat to league leaders Chelsea, which shockingly wasn't 4-0, but rather 5-0.
We marvel at the poor condition of the Twerton Park pitch and pick out the positives from the Conti Cup Final "dress rehearsal".
We focus on the big news affecting City Women this week, mainly Loren Dykes' retirement from professional football and the long-overdue Lionesses call-up for Ebony Salmon.
Featuring guest contribution from Dean Mears of the Went to Mow Kingsmeadow podcast.
You can follow them respectively on Twitter @DeanMears @mowkingsmeadow
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Vixens ‘Til We Die
#16 Leicester City (H) - 03/02/2021 & West Ham United (A) - 07/02/2021
As Bristol City extend their unbeaten run to three, D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss an eventful week that has taken in Continental Cup Semi-Final success and a snowy 1-1 draw away at Matt Beard's old hunting ground, West Ham United.
We look forward to another busy week of fixtures: away against Tottenham on Wednesday and back to Twerton Park on Sunday (Valentines Day) to face league leaders Chelsea (no, we're not scared at all...)
Special shout outs go to Flo "Throw" Allen, who has found a new kind of mettle in recent weeks, and captain Jas Matthews, who is loving life as a midfielder.
Featuring the contributions of Hannah from Beyond the 90 LCFC, Allie Coker from We Are The Girls in Claret & Blue and City Women supporters Kirstine George and Phil West. Thanks everyone for taking part!
Que cera cera, Whatever we'll be, we'll be, We're going to Watford FC, Que cera cera
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Vixens ‘Til We Die
#15 Brighton & Hove Albion (H) - 30/01/2021
It's a...It's a...It's a...IT'S A WIN
D-M, Nat & Shahan woop for joy at Bristol City's first home win of the 2020/21 Barclays FA WSL season. Indeed, the first league home win since March 2019! That's a LONG time coming.
In the battle of the birds (Robins vs Seagulls), the Matt Beard era officially kicked into action. His rejuvenated City players pushed aside a disjointed and ill-disciplined Brighton team with a professional performance. All those wearing red put in an almighty shift. There was an assured debut from new loanee Molly Pike, with a trademark ripsnorting Ebony Salmon strike and a Yana Daniëls worldie catching the headlines.
We discuss transfer deadline day ins and outs, January birthdays, announce the winner of our Chicken Salt Co social media competition and look forward to the battle of the species (Vixens vs Foxes) in the Continental Cup Semi-Final against Leicester City from the Championship.
We also chew over a spicy trip to Mr Beard's old club West Ham that is looming on the horizon.
Finally, we encourage our listeners to join Bristol City Supporters Club and Trust, who now have City Women fans (Shahan & D-M) co-opted onto the board - https://www.bristolcitysupporters.org/
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Vixens ‘Til We Die
#14 Aston Villa (H) - 13/01/2021 & Everton (A) - 17/01/2021
Happy New Beard!
In our first episode of 2021, D-M, Nat & Shahan herald a new footballing dawn for Bristol City with the arrival of Matt Beard, as maternity cover for manager Tanya Oxtoby. A new start, but a familiar story: a 4-0 defeat in the Barclays FA WSL, away to Willie Kirk's Everton.
We also discuss Bristol City's 2-1 victory against Aston Villa in the quarter final of the Continental Cup, and look forward to playing Championship high-flyers Leicester in the semi-final. Villa fan Adam Reapa offers his thoughts on the quarter final - thanks Adam! Twitter & Instagram @AdamReapa
We also ask if we can park the bus against league leaders Chelsea in our next game? Only time will tell...
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Vixens ‘Til We Die
#13 Manchester United (A) - 20/12/2020
The final Vixencast of 2020 reflects on Bristol City's 6-1 away defeat to league leaders Manchester United.
Despite the result, D-M, Nat & Shahan celebrate the much welcome returns of Aimee Palmer & Chloe Logarzo to the starting XI.
Includes references to Casey Stoney Facey, Tobin "Wreath" Heath & tough girl Leah Galton.
We also discuss Conti Cup quarter final news, and all the things that need to change if Bristol City are to stay in the FA WSL next season.
Featuring Natalie Burrell from the MUWFC Barmy Army.
You can follow her on Twitter @natalie_17 & on Instagram @nuttynattyb.
Stay safe & well everyone, and look after yourselves & each other.
We wish you a Merry Vixmas and a Happy New Year!
Vixens ‘Til We Die
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#12 Aston Villa (H) - 09/12/2020 & West Ham United (H) - 13/12/2020 ("The Misery Episode")
D-M, Nat & Shahan dive into a double helping of dreadful defeats against our closest relegation rivals at Twerton P4rk.
Amongst the misery, we boo Rachel Daly* and talk babies, cats & dogs, and the real reason why fans couldn't watch our home games.
This episode is all about the fun we’re not having watching Bristol City this season.
We promise to be more upbeat next time!
Featuring the thoughts of West Ham fan Allie Coker.
You can follow them on Twitter @axlsgirl
Vixens ‘Til We Die
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*she's a great player, really. Don't @ us
#11 Reading (A) - 06/12/2020
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's swaggering (& at times nerve jangling) 1-1 draw with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
We celebrate the counter acting delights of Oxtoby football done well, for example, offering high praise for the head strapped Gemma Evans, combative Yana Daniels, the clinical Emma Bissell, and Naomi Layzell, sitting defiant in the heart of the Vixens' defence.
We struggle to find words to do justice to a titanic Sophie Baggaley performance (not ideal for a podcast!)
We finally talk about Bristol reaching the quarter finals of the Continental Cup and look ahead to crunch home games against Aston Villa & West Ham...and the lack of ticket information ahead of those matches, as Twerton Park is in a Tier 2 area where local fans can attend!
Thanks to Rob from Reading FC Women Fans for sharing your views on the game.
Vixens 'Til We Die.
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#10 Interview with Ella Mastrantonio & The Ladies League
Keeping with the international break mood, D-M, Nat & Shahan are joined by Ella "Maestro" Mastrantonio & Michelle Morris, Christina Trajceska, Rose Valente from The Ladies League, the Australian-based women's football fan group.
We talk with the Ladies League about women's football in Australia and their excitement about the FIFA Women's World Cup being hosted in Australia & New Zealand in 2023.
With Ella we discuss who inspired her to play football as a young girl, the challenges she faced during her professional career , the 'switcheroos' she made between Perth Glory & Melbourne Victory before heading to the West Country during the height of a global pandemic.
We also chat about British regional accents, the weather (what else?!), Tim Tams and the lack of 'chicken salt' in Britain.
Raucous banter about favourite colours, haunted houses and poorly timed chanting feature heavily too.
Thank yous in abundance to the Ladies League - Michelle, Christina, Rose. Love you and your work.
Thanks also to Ella Mastrantonio! Ella now holds the illustrious honour of being the first ever current Bristol player to appear on the Vixencast( and surely not be the last....)
You can follow Ella here:
twitter.com/Ella_Mas11
instagram.com/ella.mas
You can check out The Ladies League here:
www.theladiesleague.com
twitter.com/LadiesALeague
instagram.com/theladiesleague
facebook.com/TheLadiesALeague
www.youtube.com/c/TLLTV
You can follow Michelle here:
twitter.com/MichelleAMorris
Instagram.com/michellemorristv
You can follow Christina here:
twitter.com/CTrajceska
instagram.com/chrissi.trajceska
You can follow Rose here:
twitter.com/OverlordValente
instagram.com/rosevalentee
Vixens 'Til We Die.
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#9 Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 14/11/2020
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's thrilling 2-2 draw with a mediocre (but smartly dressed) Tottenham Hotspur side as part of Women's Football Weekend 2020.
We delight in Ebony Salmon's stellar finishing and presence in the starting line up for the third game running.
We also admire Chloe Logarzo's composure from the penalty spot.
This podcast will live long in the memory as one that celebrates the Vixens' first point of the season & documents our relief that Alex Morgan couldn't do it on a wet, muddy Saturday night in Bath.
We also look ahead to facing Lewes in the Conti Cup & our next WSL game against Reading, & discuss our greatest victory of the season (so far): the fabulous purple & lime away shirt being declared the Nation's Greatest Kit for 2020/21 by the National Football Museum (more details here: https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/news/nfm-greatest-football-shirt)
Because of lockdown we once again recorded this episode remotely, so apologies for the occasional internet sound gremlin that joins us.
Featuring guest contribution Spurs fan Craig Turnbull (@CraigJacob21 on Twitter) - thanks as always!
(D-M also apologises for the terrible pronunciation of Siri Worm).
This episode is dedicated to Tanya Oxtoby. Get well soon!
Vixens 'Til We Die.
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#8 Crystal Palace (A) - 05/11/2020 & Manchester City (A) - 07/11/2020
Shahan and fellow Bristol City fan/photographer Bill East discuss the 4-2 win against Crystal Palace in the Conti Cup, and the 8-1 loss against Manchester City in the WSL, less than 48 hours later.
We discuss both games in detail, and more importantly the decision for the FA to allow the Man City game to go ahead despite Bristol having five players that are self-isolating.
We also preview Women’s Football Weekend, where Bristol are due to play Tottenham.
Bill also shares his anecdote about a Crystal Palace player he went to school with.
With guest appearances from Sophie Downey from Girls on The Ball (www.girlsontheball.com, @girlsontheball on all socials); and Emma Shone from the Man City Women Fancast (mcwfancast.podbean.com, @mcwfancast on all socials).
You can check out Bill’s photography here:
twitter.com/BMEastPhotos
instagram.com/b.eastphotos
facebook.com/B.M.EastPhotgraphy
This episode is dedicated to Gemma Evans, Charlie Wellings, Ella Mastrontonio, Abi Harrison & Meaghan Sargeant.
Vixens 'Til We Die.
@BCVixencast
#7 Interview with Alex Culvin
A special episode featuring former Vixen Alex Culvin; footballer turned academic.
Alex made 14 appearances for Bristol Academy between 2011-12, coming of footballing age during the inaugural FA WSL season. She was part of the team that lost the 2011 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, playing alongside club legends Grace McCatty and Corinne Yorston.
In this episode we reflect on the additional expectations placed on women footballers over the past decade to 'inspire a generation'. We also talk about player wellbeing, athlete activism and social media, the impact of FA policies and what could be done - beyond financial investment - to ensure that elite women's football remains competitive over the next 5-10 years.
Thank you Alex for talking with us! You can follow her on Twitter @alexculvin
Follow us on Twitter! @BCVixencast
Vixens 'Til We Die!
#6 Birmingham City (H) - 18/10/2020
D-M, Nat & Shahan discuss Bristol City's dispiriting 4-0 home defeat to an impressive Birmingham City side.
We speculate on what we will do to celebrate when Bristol get their first points of the season and try to understand why Ebony Salmon never plays a full 90 in a FA WSL game.
We marvel at Baggers in the My Little Pony kit and reflect on a hideous injury for Aimee Palmer.
We preview games against Crystal Palace, Man City & Tottenham after the international break and talk about buying our fabulous new purple & lime shirts.
With guest appearance from Caz Smith from the Great Since 68 podcast.
This episode is dedicated to Aimee Palmer.
Vixens 'Til We Die.
@BCVixencast