The power of Powell
Bristol City’s Ella Powell has had a remarkable season for Bristol City, the 26 year old becoming a real mainstay in the Robins’ defence.
You only had to watch her in action against the best team in BWSL2 at the end of March to see just how vital she has become in the west country.
As Birmingham City star Lily Crosthwaite broke out behind Bristol’s defensive line, things looked ominous for the Robins. Crosthwaite’s path to the goal was clear, but Powell made it look like an easy task. Tracking back 30 yards, she waited until Crosthwaite’s laces were about to connect with the ball before sliding in, taking the ball in one clean motion, and stopping Birmingham from taking an early lead.
Powell’s lung-busting efforts encapsulated Powell’s most memorable performance in red as she registered 100 appearances for Bristol. In doing so, reinforced the supporters’ idea that she’s a “legend of the game”. Despite ending on the wrong side of a 1-0 defeat, the game still underpinned Powell’s style of play perfectly; tenacity, high energy and intelligence.
Queen of Interceptions
Powell’ is a force to be reckoned with in BWSL 2. She is consistent, and her impact on the pitch is never understated.
She currently tops the leaderboard in interceptions made per 90 minutes, averaging around 2.9 to 3.0 every fixture. It doesn’t stop there for the Welsh international either, for she ranks among the top three players in the league for total defensive contributions too, averaging 11.4 defensive actions per 90 minutes, and making her a near constant presence on a weekly basis.
Bristol City’s club chair, Gavin Marshall, has cemented the club’s appreciation for her consistency, saying she’s “a real fan favourite”, and that he’s “pleased” to have her a part of the squad.
Star quality
Playing against Powell is a battle of wits. She rarely gives her opponents space to breathe or a moment to plan their next move. She’s a major obstacle to negotiate, which was particularly evident in a standout performance against Portsmouth earlier in the season.
For the entire 90 minutes at Westleigh Park, Powell was a threat at both ends of the pitch. She came agonisingly close to a goal in the first half, but made up for it with her defensive efforts, winning the majority of her ground duels and keeping the backline resolute as City faced ten shots on target, and ultimately took a point back to Ashton Gate.
Powell is an all-around star player. Her ability to transition from right-back to attacking wing back makes her unpredictable, with her mission to make opposing teams “fear” playing City.
Powell’s passion and hunger to win for her club could help Bristol climb the ranks next season.
Word credit: Taylor Simpson-Ward
