Winscombe ladies returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory at Bridgwater.

Bridgwater Ladies 1st XI 0

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 1

WINSCOMBE ladies returned to winning ways against a tough Bridgwater side.

From the starting whistle, Winscombe had the determination to win all three points and creating some good, early opportunities with forwards Gabby Richardson, Hannah Taylor, Elly Yard and Izzy Savage, all testing the Bridgwater defence and keeper.

The midfield line worked tirelessly to thwart Bridgwater attacks and cut out any passing down the middle of the pitch, with some great tackles and forced turnovers from Chloe Brown, Kelly Clark, Sarah Holland and Leanne Gardner.

Winscombe started the second half with a well-organised and effective press, which Bridgwater found difficult to contend with and unable to make any significant advances.

Some brilliant interceptions from the Winscombe defence set up breaks from the midfield to the D, creating opportunities in front of goal.

Continuous solid defending by Michelle Isgar, Catrin Evans, Charlie Phillips and Julie O’Sullivan made it hard work for the Bridgwater attackers to get a shot away at goal.

A strong tackle from Evans and pass to Richardson started a counter attack, which led to Savage’s shot being saved by the keeper, but Holland picked up the rebound and flicked it over the diving keeper to secure the winning goal.

Throughout the match, but particularly in the dying minutes, keeper Kate Walker made several crucial clearances and saves to preserve Winscombe’s lead.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Cat Evans.

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 2

Bridgwater Ladies 2nd XI 0

COMPOSURE and cohesion were Winscombe’s mantra going into this match and this was to prove crucial in securing them a valuable three points from this fixture.

Winscombe settled quickly and within the first 10 minutes Trudie Lynham broke through the visitor’s defence and after a goalmouth scramble, Emma Caney slipped the ball over the line to put Winscombe in front.

Winscombe’s well-organised defensive line of Heather Hockey, Jo Horwood, Caitlin Flood and Niamh Hyden absorbed Bridgwater’s attempts to force their way into the D.

It wasn’t long before a quick turnover ball came from Winscombe’s back line to find Imogen Marsh and Emma Caney, who linked well with Caroline Marsh, who struck the ball firmly past the Bridgwater goalie to double the lead.

After the break, Bridgwater became increasingly frustrated at Winscombe’s midfield and forward line who continued to trouble the visitors’ defence. Disappointingly, the Bridgwater captain took the unusual decision to stop the game eight minutes short, denying Winscombe the opportunity to increase their lead.

The Quilter Cheviot player of the match was Imogen Marsh.

Keynsham Ladies 3rd XI 0

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 6

THIS was a classy team performance from Winscombe third’s who played some outstanding hockey.

Winscombe exerted pressure on Keynsham right from the whistle and Gail Izzard netted Winscombe’s first goal. Goals two and three shortly followed, scored by Lucy Tothill and Shirley Hartshorne.

Right-back Sarah Kempster was instrumental in setting off many attacks, linking well with Emma Whitehead and player of the match Hannah Hussey.

Hussey beat two Keynsham defenders to cross for Helen Sinclair to net Winscombe’s fourth. The fifth goal came when Sinclair set up Izzard to score from a penalty corner.

It was six of the best when Gill Harvey won a crucial tackle and passed to Hartshorne, who set up Whitehead. Her shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Harshorne to score her second goal.

The John Hodge Solicitors player of the match was Hannah Hussey.

Winscombe Ladies 4th XI 0

Weston 2nd XI 7

THE fourth team fared well against Weston, in what was a well played match from both sides.

Winscombe had quite a few shots on goal, but unfortunately none found the back of the net. The defence was strong and both Lucy Slater and Kait Hazzard played well, while. Tia Rendall also had a great game in defence.

Despite the 7-0 score, Winscombe stayed strong and did not give up. Maddy Bawden, Elener Philips, Chloe Sinclair and Katie Bowskill worked hard and played well up front with some great passing.

Despite the final score, team morale was high and all players put in an outstanding effort. The John Hodge Solicitors player of the match went to Tia Rendall.