Taylor: There’s so much more to come from Fowler | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor expects Mary Fowler to reach new heights after a standout display against Bristol City.

The Australian grabbed a second half brace to help City move six points clear at the Barclays Women’s Super League summit with a 4-0 win at Ashton Gate.

Fowler’s first was the moment of quality that the visitors needed to break Bristol's stubborn resistance, while her second saw her steal in to finish off a Lauren Hemp cross.

An own goal from Amy Rodgers made it three soon after, while Alex Greenwood's header deep into stoppage time rounded off the scoring.

Still just 21, the boss has backed the exciting young attacker to keep building on her massive potential as she finished 2023/24 with a flourish.

“There was a lot more fluidity in the front line in the second half and Mary caused a lot of damage centrally,” Taylor explained.

“She’s a top player, she has incredible ability.

“The first finish is top and the pick out from Lauren for the second is good but the way she’s finished it is very impressive as well.

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“She has so much more to come, she's such an exciting player.

“She had a really good start to the season, came out of the team and now she’s really kicked on in the last few months at the right time for us.”

Despite the eventual scoreline, the hosts had done well to frustrate City for the opening hour before Fowler’s spectacular long-range strike broke their resistance.

For Taylor, his team’s second half performance was just what the doctor ordered after an opening 45 which he believes fell below our usual standards.

However, he also emphasised that, despite Bristol enduring a tough season which has ultimately ended in relegation, City were braced for another tough assignment at Ashton Gate.

The boss added: “I wouldn’t say it was harder than expected, we had issues in the first half probably more with our own game which made it tough.

“We were a bit off with our energy and body language at times. It’s fine to make mistakes but it’s how you react to that.

“The first half was a little flat, we adjusted a few things and of course at half-time I’d have taken 1-0 but it was the exact opposite second half.

“It was still really difficult to break Bristol down and it took a brilliant goal to do it before we kicked on and did our thing.

“There are no easy games, I’ve always said that and credit to Bristol for how they kept us at bay and caused a few problems of their own.

“As I’ve said, I’d have been pleased with 1-0 so the way we kicked on in the second half was really impressive.”