Hayles on target but Bristol lose on penalties

LONDON, England (CMC):

Reggae Girl Shania Hayles scored but her Bristol City squandered a plethora of chances to go down on penalties to Reading Women in the FA Women’s League Cup on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old United Kingdom-born forward put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute at Robins High Performance Centre before Reading levelled through Charlie Wellings in the 86th minute.

Bristol City then lost the subsequent penalty shootout, 4-3, Jessica Naz and Kit Graham missing their spot kicks.

Despite the defeat, however, Bristol City head coach Lauren Smith said she was pleased to see Hayles back on the scoresheet.

“It was great to see Shan back out there firing [after] having a couple injuries across the other games she’s played,” Smith said.

“She was looking sharp tonight so I’m pleased with that one.”

Hayles’s goal came when Mari Ward got in behind the Reading Women’s defence and squared for Hayles who produced a clinical finish.

Ward then spurned two great opportunities to extend Bristol’s lead when she shaved the crossbar with a strong volley and then struck the woodwork in the second half.

Bristol were then forced to pay dearly for their wastefulness in front of goal when Wellings equalised, and the penalty shootout then went against them.

“I think overall there’s a bit of disappointment. We created quite a lot of chances especially in the first half. We were just not clinical enough,” Smith continued.

“So I think we could’ve had this game buried but unfortunately we let them back into it with a chance … tonight our performance levels just weren’t there.”

The loss was Bristol’s second on penalties in the competition following their opening defeat to Southampton.