FA hit Villa star Daly with a three-match suspension

Rachel Daly will sit out Aston Villa's next three matches after being banned by the FA for violent conduct.

The England international, 32, appeared to catch Bristol City skipper Megan Connolly in the face with her arm late in the first half of Villa's 2-2 draw at the Bescot Stadium last Saturday. 

She opted not to fight the charge and will now miss tonight's Conti Cup clash at Brighton as well as the Women's Super League fixtures with Tottenham and Liverpool.

A statement from the FA said: "Rachel Daly has been suspended for three matches following Aston Villa Women's game against Bristol City Women in the WSL on February 3. 

"Her behaviour during the 39th minute wasn't seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera and the FA alleged it constitutes violent conduct.

"Daly subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct."

Daly, who won the WSL Golden Boot with 22 goals last term, has netted six times in the league this season and has added a further eight in other competitions. 

Having picked up just 13 points from 13 matches, Carla Ward's Villans have endured a disappointing campaign so far and sit eighth in the table. 

They were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in the group stage of the Conti Cup and saw Laura Blindkilde sign for WSL title-chasers Manchester City last week. 

But Ward, 40, is confident happier times are to come between now and the end of the season. 

Speaking before the match with the Robins, she said: "I've got a group of players I'm ready to work with for the rest of the season. They're ready to fight and we have to stick together.

"That's one thing we will do and we will do our best to get as many points on the board as possible."