The Vixens made an early breakthrough when Arsenal failed to clear Angharad James’ second minute corner and Jasmine Matthews had the simple task of smashing home from close range.
Bristol then doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break – Nikki Watts scoring from the spot after Spanish international Natalia was brought down by Alex Scott.
Bristol Academy 3-4 Arsenal
The FA WSL 1
6pm, Saturday 20 September 2014
Stoke Gifford Stadium
Attendance: 861
By Luke Baker
Smith entered the fray three minutes before the interval and played a major part in transforming the game in the second half.
Four minutes in she rifled home a left-footed shot off the inside of the post, and was then on hand to bag the 53rd minute equaliser after Danielle Carter nodded Rachel Yankey’s cross back across the face of goal.
Arsenal went ahead on 56 minutes when Scott scored after latching on to Jordan Nobbs’ long, angled pass and extended their advantage after 65 minutes, Smith completing her treble from the spot after Jemma Rose had felled Carter.
Though Natalia netted a third goal for Bristol in the 72nd minute, the home side could not conjure up an equaliser.
Bristol Academy (4-5-1): Earps; McCatty, Rose, Matthews, Dykes; Brown (Del Rio 71), Watts, Ingle, James, Yorston; Sanchon
Subs not used: Vega, Windell, A Evans, G Evans, Bird
Arsenal (4-3-3): Byrne; Scott, Stoney (Smith 42), Fahey, Mitchell; Williamson, Nobbs, Bailey (Kinga 86); Yankey, Carter, Ayisi (Weir 76)
Subs not used: Ohno, Chamberlain, Sampson, Humphrey
Referee: Andrew Bennett
Attendance: 861
