The visitors dominated possession and territory before the break but took until two minutes before the interval to make a breakthrough, Duggan tucking home from close range after Nikita Parris provided the cross.
The same combination had almost produced an opener on 12 minutes but Duggan’s lofted attempt hit the bar and Parris was unable to capitalise when the rebound fell o her in front of goal.
Bristol still could have gone in to the break level but Chloe Arthur saw her shot saved by Marie Hourihan’s dive to her right after she had capitalised on a defensive error to break through.
The Blues increased their advantage early in the second half when the Vixens’ keeper Caitlin Leach was penalised for a push and Duggan sent her the wrong way from the resulting spot kick.
And it didn’t take Duggan long to complete her treble when she was put through by Parris to steer the ball past Leach and put the outcome beyond doubt with 30 minutes remaining.
The home side were able to create little of note by way of opportunities, with Claire Emslie ballooning a shooting chance late in the game after dispossessing England skipper Steph Houghton, who had started the evening on the bench.
Duggan commented:
“I seem to have tendency to put the ball in the back of the net in Bristol – I scored a hat-trick here for Everton two seasons ago and I enjoyed this one.
“I’ve been in and out of the side in the last few weeks, which has been disappointing for me because I want to be playing, but I put them in the back of the net tonight and that’s my job as a striker.
“I’ve felt good and sharp in training so it’s good that I seem to be finding my form.”
Attendance: 895
Source – fawsl.com
Photo – The FA via Getty Images
