Winscombe ladies lost the league leaders Redland in their last home match of the season.

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 1

Redland UWE 3

WINSCOMBE faced a tough game for their last home match of the season, taking on league leaders Redland.

The first-half saw even play with the defence of Catrin Evans, Juju O’Sullivan, Michelle Isgar and Charlie Phillips keeping the Redland attack at bay until Redland were awarded a late short corner, which they were able to convert on the whistle.

With everything still to play for, Winscombe came back at Redland and fought hard, winning several short corners, which they were unable to convert.

A relentless Redland persevered and pressured the defence, but with the support of midfielders Chloe Brown, Kelly Clark, Sarah Holland and Elly Yard, Winscombe were able to clear the ball. A lucky break from Redland saw them score again to make it 2-0.

Winscombe knew they were still in with a chance and with fantastic play around the back, Chloe Brown took a run down the wing, timing her cross well to find captain Gabby Richardson, who slotted the ball home.

The Winscombe attack of Hannah Taylor and Izzy Savage continued to press a solid Redland defence, but could not find a way through. Eventually, Redland’s fitness got the better of Winscombe and they claimed their third goal of the game in a late counter attack.

The John Hodge Solicitors joint players of the match were Gabby Richardson and Cat Evans.

Taw Valley Ladies 2nd XI 1

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 3

THE seconds were hopeful of a further three points from this away fixture as they had beaten Taw Valley earlier in the season.

The much-needed goal to break the deadlock did not come until the beginning of the second half when Caroline Marsh’s reverse stick shot was finished off by Trudie Lynham.

Taw Valley managed to capitalise on a brief opening in the Winscombe defensive line to find the back of the net and draw level.

This prompted Winscombe to step up a gear and midfielders Imogen Marsh and Ella Horwood responded by linking well with forwards Trudie Lynham, Amy Knapman and Tia Craig to put the Taw defence under increasing pressure.

Craig was making her debut appearance with the second team and her determination was rewarded with a goal to put Winscombe back in front.

Winscombe continued to build up a head of steam with some excellent supportive play from both Rachel Wallace and Heather Hockey. Winscombe were now well into their stride and sealed their win from a second well-worked goal from Lynham.

The Quilter Cheviot player of the match was Tia Craig.

Chippenham Ladies IV XI 5

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 2

THE thirds travelled to run-away league leaders and promotion winners Chippenham.

The free-scoring home team soon netted their first goal, but Winscombe hit back to take their lead with goals from Emma Whitehead and Helen Sinclair, after good work by Gill Harvey, Gail Izzard and Katie Bowskill.

The match became even more competitive and a little bit feisty when Chippenham were incorrectly awarded a goal, which was then overturned by the second umpire. Soon after, Izzard caught Chippenham napping to slot home for Winscombe, only to have, what was a perfectly good goal, disallowed too.

The Winscombe defence of Sarah Kempster, Jo Hann and Laura Harvey played really well as individuals and as a solid unit, while keeper Georgia Tulip made some crucial saves.

Chippenham capitalised on two short corners by scoring with slick and well practiced routines and their accomplished centre forward scored another two goals.

An excellent performance by Winscombe’s youngsters Dulcie Glossop, Maddie Nigh and player of the match Lauryn Nigh, both of whom were making their 3rd team debuts.

The John Hodge Solicitors player of the match was Lauryn Nigh.

Winscombe Ladies IV XI 1

Minehead Ladies 2nd XI 1

THE fourth team lined up against second-placed Minehead hoping to improve on their previous meeting.

From the whistle, Winscombe took the play to Minehead, with Hannah Hussey and Tia Rendall pushing the ball forward for Hannah Glossop, Vonnie Rendall and Elener Phillips to put the pressure on the Minehead goal.

Goalkeeper Shas Bricknell made several excellent saves, while Lucy Slater, Kait Hazzard and Georgina Glossop worked hard to defend tightly as the first-half ended goal-less.

Winscombe started the second half well, with Caroline Glossop linking with Oceanne to work the ball forward and gain a free hit near the Minehead goal. A well struck pass from Oceanne found Rendall to strike the ball into the net.

Minehead had several good chances to even the match, including one which was saved off the line by player of the match, Georgina Glossop. Unfortunately, in the final seconds Winscombe lost some focus and Minehead managed to find an equaliser.

The John Hodge Solicitors player of the match was Georgina Glossop.