INTERNATIONAL CLASS: Former Bristol City striker and PFL Women’s Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp in action in last season’s pre-friendly with Buckland. (c)MiraclePR
Buckland Athletic LFC take on their toughest opponents yet as Bristol City WFC, who play their football in the top tier of women’s football, visit Homers Heath on Wednesday evening for a pre-season friendly.
It is a repeat of last year’s pre-season fixture but whereas it was the development and youth team who made the trip down that time, this time it will be the first team. The teams are also a division closer this season with Buckland achieving promotion to the FA Women’s National League South West Division after their 100 per cent league campaign last season. This puts them in the fourth tier of Women’s football and among the top 100 ladies clubs in the country.
Bristol City are in the Women’s Super League and will play the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool when their campaign kicks off in September.
Last year, Bristol’s line-up included England Under-19 international and current PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp. Lauren lit up Homer’s Heath with a dazzling display before going on to score 9 goals for Bristol City in a solid season which saw them finish 8th.
Lauren won’t be among the stars on Wednesday night – she has since joined Manchester City – but with Bristol boasting internationals from the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and Wales – as well as numerous England youth internationals – there is certainly going to be plenty of talent on display.
Whatever the result (Buckland lost 5-1 last season), Wednesday night’s game is sure to be a fantastic showcase of women’s football and valuable preparation as the Yellows look to secure a fourth successive title.