The Offside Rule (We Get It!) Performance of the Week (28th April – 4th May)
In a new feature, we give out the prize for The Offside Rule (We Get It!) Performance of the Week. Unfortunately, no medal or trophy for the winner - just the honour of recognition from our team. This week, Michelle Owen is tasked with making the tricky call...
Name: Nikki Watts
Age: 27
Club: Bristol Academy Ladies
Position: Attacking Midfield/ Forward
Strengths: Goal Scoring
Performance:
723 spectators witnessed Bristol Ladies destroy WSL2 newcomers Oxford United 9-2 in the Continental Cup.
It was a very impressive performance from last year’s WSL1 runners up, with two contenders for player of the match. Laura Del Rio hit a superb hat trick, and Nikki Watts followed suit with a quick hat-trick in a mind blowing 11 minutes during the second half.
It was these 11 minutes that capped a brilliant overall performance for Watts.
The first goal was a well-taken volley as she snuck in late from a dangerous cross, whipped in by Ellie Curson. A few minutes later Watts got on the score sheet again when Tash Harding made a fantastic run and pulled the ball back to Watts who turned it in left-footed past the keeper. The hat-trick was made after a bit of a scramble and Watts forcing it across the line. Watts exclusively told us “It has been a while since I have scored one in a competitive match so to get three in 11 minutes was a bit of a surprise!”
She has been moved into a new position this season by manager Dave Edmonson, and is apparently settling in well as an attacking midfielder supporting the striker. As Watts said herself it has been some time since she scored in a competitive game so this brace will only add to her confidence as Bristol Academy progress through the early season.
Watts fitted in well as the team played neat two-touch football which was too quick and classy for Oxford. Watts was quick to praise her teammates’ parts in all three of her goals rather than take the praise all for herself, commenting on the build-up play before she tucked away two of the goals superbly with a bit of luck for the third.
This team ethic could see Watts and the team push on once more in the WSL1, and she also believes they have a chance of picking up silverware in the Continental Cup. Bristol have adjusted well to the departure of the now England manager Mark Sampson.
Nikki told us: “The team has really taken to the way that Dave wants us to play and results are starting to show that, so long may that continue.”
Goal difference means Bristol sit top of their Continental Cup group with a draw and a win so far, with Notts County just behind.
Who gets your vote for performance of the week?
The Offside Rule 
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