The Barclays Women’s Super League returns from an international hiatus this weekend, as Bristol City gear up to host Brighton & Hove Albion for a highly anticipated battle at the bottom clash.

Lauren Smith says she wants to repay fans for their incredible support at Ashton Gate this season with the potential of her side scrounging some points at home. The Bristol City manager spoke to the media ahead of their Barclays Women’s Super League fixture this Sunday against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Having become the side with the third biggest WSL support throughout their 2023/24 campaign thus far, Smith commented that she wants to repay the fans for their undying commitment at home this season. Smith doesn’t shy away from the fact that Bristol City will be desperate to deliver over coming weeks, as the Robins currently occupy the prime spot in the drop zone on the league table.

Smith expressed that Bristol City have been searching to give the home fans “something to cheer about” all season, after recent glimpses of positivity at Ashton Gate. But they haven’t been able to share the points with them, which would be “well deserved”.

Smith expressed that there has been no fresh injuries reported yet from those returning from international break. However, the Robins boss does comment that she is yet to have her players return. Bristol City will disappointingly acquire no returns from injuries, with Rachel Furness, Abi Harrison, Chloe Mustaki and Satara Murray still out. The Robins boss commented on the fact that Furness continues to prove to be a dire loss for the side, after the showcase of some stellar performances throughout the season’s opening weeks.

Smith remained sure with her stance that every game since Christmas has been a “must win” for her side, whilst previewing the fact that Sunday’s fixture with the Seagulls will not prove to be any different in terms of the stakes it provides.

The Bristol City boss also commented on the imperative nature that comes with the prospect of closing the widened gap between themselves and Brighton, whilst also circumspectly acknowledging the fact that the former half of the gap does not currently lie in their hands. Smith also spoke on the fact that Brighton have a “safety element” in terms of the pocket of points held on Bristol City, and it isn’t the “end of it if they lose”. However, the pressured temperature at the bottom of the table would be sure to mount if the Robins were to go without a victory in Sunday’s fixture.

Whilst players were limited due to international camps, Smith says that the defensive side of their game has to be worked, commenting that she strives for her side to be “harder to beat.”

Naomi Layzell was awarded the opportunity to train with Sarina Wiegman’s senior Lionesses throughout the week, as the U23s travelled to Marbella for their international camp away from home. Smith digested Layzell’s admission to the senior squad’s training preparations, stating that “[to] “get a reward like that is unbelievable.”

Smith closed by saying that target and motivator between promotion to the WSL and relegation “conversation” to the Championship is not “that different.” Smith touched on the fact that Bristol City’s 2022/23 campaign was “really tough at times”, despite the side achieving league promotion at season’s end.

Smith assured that her Robins side will be “fighting whatever it looks like” and they are “being chased, whatever it looks like.”

Bristol City will host Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday, with proceedings set to head underway at 2pm.