Lauren Smith spoke to the media this afternoon to preview Bristol City’s upcoming clash with Aston Villa in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Speaking first on the deadline day drama sure to ensue for most sides across the Barclays Women’s Super League, Smith confirmed that Bristol City would not find themselves amongst any more action inside of the final hours of the transfer window.

“We’ve made the additions that we planned to, and wanted to so [I’m] happy with bringing the three players in. We are the squad that needs to see us through to the end of the season and win us games so that we stay up.”

Bristol City fell to a disappointing defeat against their relegation rivals in West Ham United last Sunday. Despite the loss, the Robins still find themselves within touching distance of drop zone safety, something Smith assured her side will be well aware of as the clock runs down on the 2023/24 season.

“We’ve had a few honest conversations yesterday about where we are but I think keeping it positive in the fact that we’re still only one win away from where we already were. So, it’s not like anything has suddenly slipped away from us and we’re talking about it being down and out.

Yesterday when we were first in after the game, it was probably a bit tired, leggy, feeling a bit sorry for ourselves as a group. But today back, the focus was there, training was excellent and there’s a real bit between the teeth of the players on the pitch today.

Bristol City currently occupy the twelfth rung on the league ladder, and as the pressure continues to mount, Smith reflect on how her side will look to improve as the second half of the season reaches maximum temperature.

“We still have to improve ourselves across all areas, I think we need to be harder to beat, harder to be scored against. A lot of those things come from our own errors still, which in a way is positive because I don’t feel like we are getting broken down, sliced through the middle of, absolutely played off the park. But what we are doing is gifting chances still, so that’s one area.”

The Robins will travel to Bescot Stadium to face Aston Villa this Saturday, as both sides prepare to gnash their teeth in order to secure an imperative victory. Smith reflected on the upcoming opposition, speaking of Carla Ward’s side in high regard, whilst also reflecting on what her hopes are for her own side heading into the clash.

“They’ve got such a strong experienced team. They’re always difficult to play against because of that experience and we probably lack that. I’m hoping for a different type of game than the last time around- we looked really tired, so we didn’t feel like we’d given our full account of ourselves.”

Bristol City will face Aston Villa at Bescot Stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League this Saturday at 12:30pm.