Winscombe ladies were beaten 4-2 by Clevedon in their latest league match.

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 2

Clevedon Ladies 1st XI 4

WINSCOMBE ladies entertained Clevedon and were beaten 4-2 in a competitive encounter.

Winscombe created plenty of chances, but a tightly packed D meant Winscombe had to play the ball around to draw out the defence. Captain Kelly Clarke held a strong pivot-position at the top of the D and forward Gabby Richardson ran well to receive the ball in space.

Clevedon broke out but were thwarted by Winscombe’s left back Michelle Isgar. Winscombe hit back through Jade Barry and Keri Willis, but were were still unable to score.

An excellent break from Clevedon beat the Winscombe defence to open the scoring, but Winscombe rallied quickly to score from a well-worked short corner. A strong injection by Jade Barry was stopped by Michelle Isgar and slipped to Gabby Richardson, who crossed to Kelly Clarke to net.

Clevedon’s response was also swift and clinical as they managed to regain the lead just before half-time.

The second half saw some excellent, high-quality hockey played by both teams. Winscombe continued to work the ball well, particularly through right back Claudia Routhorn-James, who combined well with midfielder Chloe Brown.

Eventually this pressure paid off as Willis found Leanne Gardner, who scored Winscombe’s second to draw the match level.

Clevedon upped the anti and Winscombe had to rely on some strong defending with keeper Kate Walker making vital saves and clearances from Caroline Marsh and Megan Coe, keeping Clevedon temporarily at bay until they managed to score two more goals in quick succession.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was: Jade Barry.

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 2

ECVH Ladies 2nd XI 2

THIS was a disappointing draw, but a crucial point was secured for Winscombe’s newly-promoted side in a closely-contested affair.

Winscombe headed off to Cullompton in Devon with high hopes of winning, but found themselves a goal down early on in the match.

Winscombe fought back well and a determined run from Chantelle Mielle and a cross from Trudie Lynham was met on the half-volley and netted by centre forward Becky Matthews. Shortly before half-time ECVH re-took the lead.

The second half was end-to-end with both teams having chances. After a good passage of play from Winscombe, Lynham equalised with a cheeky reverse stick flick.

Winscombe had several more opportunities towards the end of the match to secure a win, but had to settle for a hard-earned draw and a point which may prove vital at the end of the season.

Shepton Mallet Ladies 2nd XI 5

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 1

A SPIRITED Winscombe team performance and early goal were not enough to deny Shepton Mallet all three points and guaranteed promotion in this enthralling match against the runaway league leaders.

The visitors took the lead after six minutes after good work from Emma Whitehead and Helen Sinclair set up Amy Knapman to score.

From the off Shepton were in fine attacking form and almost immediately tested the superb skills of goalie Roxy Newman, whose early diving save ensured that Shepton were denied a flying start.

Shepton equalised despite good defending from Amy Cheeseman and mother and daughter combination of Gail and Amy Izzard.

Emma Whitehead, Gail Izzard and captain Gill Harvey demonstrated some excellent triangular play, with Joanna Hann and Sarah Kempster strong in defence.

Shepton turned on the style and scored three more goals, despite good goalkeeping by Roxy Newman to lead 4-1 at the break.

Good pressure by Knapman and Hannah Hussey failed to find the net and Shepton broke away to score their fifth.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Amy Izzard.

Weston Ladies 2nd XI 1

Taunton Vale 5 1

WESTON seconds travelled to Taunton for a re-arranged fixture to play top of the table Taunton Vale.

Weston had most of the possession in the first-half, with Kirsten Warden, Demi Reading, Izzie Jeffrey and Kate Watkins in midfield working well to get the ball up to strikers Kat Brown and Ellie Etchells to create chances.

Taunton scored soon after the break, but Weston equalised with a goal from Etchells. Jenny Purcell, Charli Dale, Chloe Cowell, Beth Gambling and Shelly Parkins played brilliantly in defence to stop Taunton scoring again.

Mercedes man of the match went to goalkeeper Beth Cole.