Helen Sinclair scored the only goal as Winscombe ladies 3rd XI defeated Frome 1-0.

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 1

Frome 3rd XI 0

WINSCOMBE ladies third team returned to league action following the Christmas break by continuing their improved form and climbing up the table.

Despite an excellent effort, the first-half remained scoreless, due to a mixture of a long break, offset by some solid defending.

When Frome did break through, they faced Winscombe’s goalkeeper Shirley Hartshorne, who made two excellent saves.

The half-time pep talk from skipper Gill Harvey, who gave her normal tireless performance throughout, saw Winscombe attack the second half with renewed vigour and improved passing.

A couple of half chances, courtesy of good stickwork from Vicky Pagett, went amiss, before Gail Izzard was able to find Helen Sinclair in space. Playing out of position at centre forward, Sinclair showed great composure to find the corner of the goal from the edge of the D to score a fantastic and decisive goal.

Frome bounced back and put the Winscombe defence under pressure. In a repeat of the first-half, the defence of Rachel Wallace, Sarah Kempster and Jo Hann were more than a match for their opponents, but when called upon, keeper Hartshorne’s efforts ensured a clean sheet.

A good win for Winscombe sees them keep the pressure on the sides competing for the runners-up spot. Goalkeeper Shirley Hartshorne deservedly took the John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match award.