A depleted Weston Mendip Ladies side fell to a 3-1 defeat at Oldland Abbotonians Ladies for their first game in 2022 last Sunday (January 30).

Mendip had several players missing through Covid-19 and travelled to Oldland Common for their first game in seven weeks.

This was always going to be a tough fixture after Oldland became the first team to beat runaway South West Regional Women's Football League Northern Division leaders Bristol Rovers last month.

The Abbotonians started strongly and Mendip’s much improved defensive unit of Erin Hale, Danielle Beazer, Josie Cherson and Megan Stringer had plenty of work to do in the first 20 minutes.

Five minutes later the hosts took the lead from a goal mouth scramble, following a corner, allowing Hannah Pugh to score.

Mendip began to settle into the game and equalised on the half hour through Daisy Hutchins after she converted from a corner.

On 40 minutes a long punt up field found Amy Street through on goal and stand in goalkeeper Abigail Mills unable to save her well placed shot as the home team lead 2-1 at the break.

Mendip had a much better second half and dominated for long periods, Kelly Jones and Laura McCarthy both producing chances.

Against the run of play another through ball resulted in Molly McKay scoring The O's third goal and despite continued pressure on the home team’s goal the game ended 3-1.

We improved as the game went on, all the players worked so hard today it is only a matter of time before we pick up some well deserved points," said manager Joanne Lintern.

PD & CL Building services Girl of the Game went to Megan Stringer improving with every game in the right-back position.

Mendip return to action this Sunday when they host Frampton Rangers Ladies at 2pm.