Bristol City 0-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa Women won their first league game of the season on Sunday afternoon, beating Bristol City 2-0 at Ashton Gate.

Ebony Salmon sealed the victory with an 86th-minute strike, but not before a previous effort went in off Megan Connolly to give Villa the lead with under 15 minutes to go.

The result was a much-needed one for Aston Villa after a lenghty losing streak.

Carla Ward made four changes from the side that started Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United in the Conti Cup.

Daphne van Domselaar, having started every league game so far this season, returned between the posts.

Anna Patten also returned having been given a rest in midweek, while Kenza Dali made her first Villa start in 175 days.

Kirsty Hanson helped support Rachel Daly alongside Adriana Leon.

Rachel Corsie had the first chance of real note, but her hooked effort went over the bar after a corner.

Moments later, Hanson let fly from long distance but saw her attempt go straight down the throat of Kaylan Marckese in the City goal.

Van Domselaar was called into action at the other end of the pitch as she made a fingertip save to deny Rachel Furness’ long-range strike.

There was precious little for the two teams to get excited about for the remainder of the half, and they went into the break all square.

After the interval, Daly dragged an effort wide after being played through by Dali.

Dali then struck an effort straight at the City ‘keeper from the edge of the area as Villa’s pressure began to mount.

Olivia Clark parried a Sarah Mayling free-kick around her post as time ticked closer to 90 minutes.

But just as time looked to be running out, Salmon poked an effort towards goal that eventually found its way in via Megan Connolly.

Salmon popped up nine minutes later, sealing the victory with a near post finish to get Villa up and running in the league.