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Aston Villa Women’s relegation battle is still underway, but a point against relegation rivals West Ham had taken them away from the bottom spot.
Words: Regan Foy | @findfoy
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Aston Villa Women have given themselves hope ahead of the final few games of the Women’s Super League season with a 0-0 draw against relegation rivals West Ham United Women this evening.
In a close affair, the two sides cancelled each other out throughout the first half, with both sides struggling to truly get going in their opposition final third, despite a lively start to the game.
The second have provided a number of chances for both sides, but staunch defences kept the scorelines level.
Asmita Ale came close for Aston Villa in the 58th minute before her attempt to force the ball into the net was cleared from inside the six-yard box, whilst West Ham’s Svitkova came close but was denied by a low save from Lisa Weiß.
A clean sheet following the side’s 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City Women in the Women’s FA Cup over the weekend is incredibly important, as was the point gained against relegation rivals that now sees Aston Villa Women rise off the bottom spot.
Now bottom side Bristol City have played a game extra, meaning that Aston Villa Women could go three points clear of the relegation spot should they win their game in hand.
The final four games of the season see Aston Villa Women face Bristol City, Birmingham City, West Ham again, and Arsenal. A win against relegation candidates Bristol City and another draw, based on current form, could be enough to see Aston Villa Women survive in their first season in the league.
Bristol City on the other hand have to play Manchester United Women and Brighton & Hove Albion Women, who sit in 4th and 6th respectively. Should Bristol City pick up all three points this weekend, then Aston Villa Women will need a win in their final three fixtures.
With both sides sat bottom of the table on equal footings with 11 points each, the race to remain in the league is tight.
But a positive result can breed more positive results, and Marcus Bignot’s side have given themselves more hope that they can achieve their goal.
