Somerset County Women’s League: Wellington Ladies 1, Pen Mill Ladies 3
Pen Mill travelled to Wellington undefeated at the top of division one but the hosts were set up to be tough opponents for the league leaders.
This fixture was originally against Bishops Lydeard but, due to cup fixtures, that game was rescheduled and the Pen Mill matchup, initially scheduled for January, was brought forward.
Out of the gate, the action was end-to-end as both keepers were kept on their toes with chances coming thick and fast.
Wellington were given the first clear opportunity of the afternoon but the shot was struck wide. After this attempt, Pen Mill began to understand the challenge they had before them and picked up the pace.
Thirty minutes into the match, the visitors breached the Wellington defences and were able to knock the ball into the net after a tussle around the six-yard box.
Getting the match under way again, Wellington kept applying pressure on Pen Mill and, after a breakthrough on the wing, Aimee Trigell provided an excellent cross to Ash Grabham-White. She then set up Marie Barrow who smashed her effort home, equalising a mere three minutes after Pen Mill’s opener.
Towards the end of the first half, home keeper Hannah Worth took a knock to the knee but was able to get to the break after medical treatment.
The second half began and carried the same theme of end-to-end action as both sides looked to take the advantage.
Multiple efforts from both teams provided the opportunity but it was Pen Mill who made the difference.
On the 70th minute, a low cross slipped through the recovering Wellington defenders and found an attacker on the back post.
Unfortunately, after this goal, Hannah was unable to continue between the sticks for Wellington and Lauren Smith volunteered to wear the gloves for the rest of the match.
Wellington continued to push hard against the league leaders with multiple chances being created but Pen Mill were able to poke the ball home from a corner after Wellington failed to clear.
The final score was 3-1 to the away side but Wellington could stand proud with how they have handled themselves despite facing fierce opponents, being struck with significant injuries and still settling themselves in a tough division since promotion.
Player of the Match: Marie Barrow.
On Sunday, Wellington travel to Paulton Rovers to face their Reserve side in more league action.