Bristol City 1-6 Spurs, Players Cup | Martin Ho’s verdict

A hat-trick from Shekiera Martinez, a first goal in our colours for Matilda Nilden, a long-range lob from Signe Gaupset and another clinical strike from Olivia Holdt – plus the return of Jess Naz after 11 months out injured – contributed to a blistering 6-1 win on a night full of positives at Bristol City.

Reflecting on the performance, Head Coach Martin felt our front-footed display was key to the result: “From the start I thought our intensity was good, we played with a real energy and enthusiasm which I think set the tone for the game, then the goal that we got early set the tone for how we wanted to play for the rest of the game, then I think we started to get into a flow. Some little parts we can be better at, 100 per cent, but it’s nice to be back to winning ways.”

Asked what pleased him most, Martin replied: “The players’ response after the north London derby to get back to winning ways and keep pushing, to change some players and those players taking the opportunities that they were given, with some of the players getting on the scoresheet. In those moments when we got in front of goal, we were ruthless. It was really nice for some of those players to get some goals to gain some confidence.

“I’m delighted for Sheki (Martinez). Coming into a new team and adapting to a different playing style and the way we do things, I think it’s been really good for her to get some goals and give her that kind of belief and confidence at this level, but also to have 90 minutes in her legs is important for her. Matilda Nilden works extremely hard, she maybe doesn’t always get the minutes that she wants but when she gets that opportunity she always takes it. I thought for large parts of the game she was good, one-v-one in her movement and to get her goal, you could see what that means to her with her celebration, so I’m absolutely delighted for her.”

On the return of our longest-serving player Jess after a second long-term injury lay-off, Martin added: “It’s really good, not just for me but for everyone – the staff, the players, the club. She’s been here for a long time, she’s been through a tough time with the injury she’s had and now to see her back on the pitch, playing with a smile, the same energy and the same tenacity in her game, she’s going to be like a new player for us.”