Bristol City promoted to WSL following victory over Charlton Athletic | OneFootball

Bristol City have been promoted back to the Barclays Women’s Super League following a two-year absence.

The Robins defeated Charlton Athletic 4-0 at Ashton Gate this afternoon in front of a record crowd of 7,045 to secure the Barclays Women’s Championship title and promotion back to the top flight.

After Birmingham City defeated Durham 2-1 earlier this afternoon, the pressure was on The Robins to beat Charlton Athletic to avoid taking the promotion race down to the final day.

Bristol City took the lead in the 25th minute at Ashton Gate when on loan Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton slotted the ball into the corner of the net from 12 yards.

Lauren Smith’s side were in dreamland just after the half-time interval with prolific forward Abi Harrison getting her name on the scoresheet on her 100th appearance for the club. The Scot sent a bullet header into the roof of the net following a Bristol City corner kick.

The Robins sealed the win, the title and their promotion late in the game with two quick-fire goals. First, defender Brooke Aspin headed home from a corner kick before Ffion Morgan’s long range thunderbolt crowned a fine victory.

Bristol City head coach Smith has done an exceptional job in guiding the club back to the top flight. Smith had to build virtually a brand new squad after taking the role in 2021 and she has put together a wonderful group. Smith and Bristol City will now celebrate their well-earned promotion before planning for the transition to the Barclays Women’s Super League over the summer.