Notts County ladies boss Rick Passmoor happy with 1-1 Bristol Academy draw

Dominant County had taken the lead through a Jess Clarke wonder strike in the first half and looked set to move to the top of Group Three.

But the gutsy visitors, who were runners-up in the Women’s Super League last season, came out with renewed fight in the second half and levelled through Nikki Watts on 54 minutes.

And despite plenty of possession, the Lady Pies were unable to breakdown the well-drilled Bristol defence.

Speaking after the game Passmoor said: “I think it was a fair result, we were in control for the first 20 minutes or so, but Bristol started to come back into the game from that point.

“Bristol defended well today. I like playing them, they play football in the right way.

“We knew it was going to be tough because we had to patch a lot of players up to get them out there because of our injuries and small squad. I am pleased with my players right now.

“Jess Clarke scored a fantastic goal, she now needs to sniff out the goals in and around the box.

“We lacked our usual cutting edge and ruthlessness, but we have got a great month ahead in terms of league fixtures and an FA Cup semi-final and our season will progress.”

Notts face Everton next weekend in the FA Women’s Cup at Alfreton Town in a game which Passmoor knows is a massive opportunity for his side.

“We will be missing players this week because of England duty, but that is something we have to cope,” he added.

“The players that are left will be working very hard. We will then have one training session on Saturday ready for the game against Everton on Sunday.

“The FA Cup game will be a great opportunity and occasion for this club. Everyone is up for the game and it is important that we channel that energy correctly for the game.”