Women's Super League: Bristol City on brink of relegation after narrow defeat to Liverpool at Ashton Gate

Liverpool moved up to fourth in the Women's Super League table with a 1-0 win over table-propping Bristol City, who moved a step closer to relegation with defeat at Ashton Gate.

Marie Hobinger's first-half strike was enough to give The Reds all three points and move them above Manchester United in the WSL table, albeit having played a game more than Marc Skinner's side.

Following an early spell of sustained pressure, Matt Beard's side scored the only goal of the game when Hobinger clinically dispatched a first-time strike past Shae Yanez.

The omens were not looking good for Lauren Smith's side at half-time, given they had lost all of their previous 10 WSL games after trailing at the break.

Hobinger came agonisingly close to doubling Liverpool's advantage just after the restart with a ferocious effort which was pushed away by Yanez at the last moment.

The Robins were struggling to create many clear-cut opportunities until Amalie Thestrup managed to get beyond the Liverpool defence, but saw her effort saved by Tagan Micah.

Yanez was then called into action down the other end to deny Mia Enderby, before being called into action again to eventually gather a Missy Bo Kearns free-kick.

Beard's side pressed forward in search of an ultimately elusive second goal, as Mel Lawley attempted to pick out Sophie Roman Haug, but the latter could not quite reach the former's pass.

City showed plenty of endeavour themselves throughout the match, but their lack of quality proved costly in what now looks like a futile bid to maintain their top-flight status.

The Robins succumbed to a narrow defeat which leaves them on the cusp of an immediate return back to the Women's Championship.

Smith's team have six points from 19 games and sit seven points adrift of 11th-placed West Ham United with only three games remaining.

Their relegation could be confirmed as soon as Sunday if The Hammers spring a surprise and beat title-chasing Manchester City.

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