Raheny exit Champions League after defeat to Bristol

Raheny United had a tough task to face tonight in Bristol. The Panda's travelled from Ireland with a four goal deficit hanging over their heads before kicking off the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 32 game.

Bristol came out of the traps early with their first corner of the game coming in the second minute. Bristol applied the pressure throughout with their quick give-and-go passing.

It was a hard fought first half for the Pandas, as the game progressed they grew in confidence and won back possession. Raheny had opportunities going forward but found themselves short of options due to being pinned back by the attacking Bristol side. It remained scoreless at half time.

Raheny started the second half brightly with an early shot by Katie McCabe inside the box blasted wide of the target. A quick counter attack by Bristol broke the deadlock on the night.

Spanish International Natalia Pablos gave the hosts a 1-0 lead on the 51st minute. Angharad James stretched the lead less than 10 minutes later when she cut inside the box from the right wing and hit a low shot into the bottom corner.

Raheny pulled a goal back on the 74th minute. A free kick into the box by Captain Rebecca Creagh was met high in the air by Raheny defender Pearl Slattery who headed it into the Bristol net.

Final score on the night was 2 - 1 to Bristol Academy who now face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Bristol Academy: Earps; McCatty, Dykes(Brown, 55), Matthews, Rose; Harding, Yorston (Del Rio, 51), James, Ingle, Watts; Pablos

Subs: Alice Evans, Keka, Del Rio, Brown, Georgia Evans, Simmons-Bird

Raheny United: Reid-Burke; Walsh, Slattery, O'Farrelly, Eirksdottir; Graham, Creagh, Murray (Cronin, 73), Killeen, Dwyer (Brierley, 65); McCabe.

Subs: Houlsworth, Newman, Ryan, Cronin, Sheehy, Barnes

Referee: Marija Kurtes (Germany)

Attendance: 816