Winscombe Ladies enjoyed a fast start, scoring an early goal, which turned out to be the only one of the game.

Shepton Mallet Ladies 1st XI 0

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 1

Winscombe got off to a flying start in their penultimate league game before the Christmas break.

From the starting whistle, Winscombe showed great discipline in retaining the ball and applying pressure to the Shepton defence.

They were rewarded with a penalty corner within the first few minutes of the game which Kelly Clark and Michelle Isgar skilfully executed, setting Hannah Taylor up with the perfect ball to fire past the keeper to complete the textbook routine.

Winscombe’s forwards continued to apply pressure and there were some lovely surging runs up the wing from Tia Craig.

Imogen Marsh, Holly Tyson and Clark worked hard in midfield making some crucial interceptions and creating some great attacking play.

Defender Charlie Phillips also delivered some cracking balls into the attacking circle, which Winscombe were unlucky not to convert.

Shepton defended well and were also quick on the break, resulting in end-to-end hockey. Captain Kate Walker, in goal, thwarted Shepton’s attacking chances with some brilliant saves, fully deserving her player of the match award.

Winscombe’s defenders Hannah Preston, Michelle Isgar, Caroline Marsh, Leanne Gardner and Charlie Phillips worked hard to successfully break down Shepton’s play and transferred the ball well to create some quick counter attacks.

Winscombe’s forwards Gabby Richardson, Elsa Greed, Tia Craig and Hannah Taylor showed great work rate throughout.

In the second half they continued to attack the D, unlucky not to increase the score, especially Taylor missing out by an inch with a goal disallowed.

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 2

Nailsea Ladies 1st XI 2

As top of the table clashes go, this match certainly did not disappoint.

The first half was even with both teams holding their shape. The defensive unit of keeper Fran Brown, Michelle Clarke-McCulloch, Jo Horwood, Lucy Knapman and Sarah Johnson held firm when required.

The midfield unit of Maddy Bawden, Georgina Glossop, Eleanor Thatcher, Cara Ellis and Emma Whitehead worked hard to ensure there were no gaps across the lines of play and holding their shape to create the chances for the forwards.

The forward quartet of Jazz Honour, Tia Rendall, Ciara Ambrosious and Georgie Collett created had a couple of chances, but Nailsea were as strong in defence and the first half ended nil-nil.

After the break, Nailsea intercepted the Winscombe restart of the match and slotted home for the lead. Winscombe remained calm and levelled five minutes later when Collett slotting home.

Winscombe kept applying more and more pressure and Nailsea started to make a number of small errors. With 15 minutes to go Winscombe went ahead when Rendall scored.

Nailsea won a free hit at the top of the Winscombe D and they scored their second and equalising goal, much to the disappointment of the Winscombe defence.

Player of the match was Eleanor Thatcher.