Somerset County Women’s League: Wellington Ladies 1, Woodspring Women 2
After a weekend off, Wellington hosted Woodspring Women at the Playing Field this afternoon (Sunday, November 20th).
In the reverse fixture, both teams walked away with a point each after an entertaining 2-2 draw so both teams were expecting an intense game ahead.
Wellington’s first choice keeper Hannah Worth has been carrying a wrist injury and therefore her sister, and usual central midfielder Lauren Smith volunteered to play between the sticks as Hannah played outfield instead.
Contrary to recent matches, as the game got under way, Wellington showed that they meant business early on and began to apply pressure to the visiting side with a few early chances – an improvement from weeks gone by where Wellington have struggled to get off the line.
Although missing a couple of chances, it looked as though the home side were going to put their noses ahead until a very unfortunate miskick clearance from Lauren Smith gave Woodspring an attempt on an open goal to put the visitors in front before the break. However, Wellington did not let this misfortune shatter their spirits and they kept pushing for an equaliser.
In the second half, Woodspring came bursting out of the gates and a well worked build-up found the away side one-on-one with Wellington’s keeper just a minute from the restart. They did not hesitate to punish Wellington’s complacency and doubled their lead.
The shock of a quick goal would cause most teams to buckle, but Wellington stood together, pushing higher and higher until it was almost impossible for the away side to get out of their own half.
After a few attempts, Hannah Worth found herself on the edge of the Woodspring box, pushed it on to her preferred right foot and comfortably scored.
Wellington were back in the game and kept creating chances with the hope of equalising. A notable chance came from skipper Marie Barrow as she released a rocket from outside the 18-yard-box which smashed against the crossbar. Wellington were getting closer and closer but it was again another tough day for the newly promoted side.
As this is now the third defeat on the bounce for Wellington, they will be looking to work on what they understand went wrong for them over the last few fixtures but it is clear that they do not lack the desire to see every game to the end.
Both manager Nyima Touray and head coach Anthony Trimm believe that this team has what it takes to turn their fortunes around as they show each week that they have a very strong, resilient squad even if the results haven’t gone their way in recent times.
Next weekend is another week off for Wellington but the Tangerines will be travelling to Banwell Ladies on December 4th.
Player-of-the-Match: Lara Grabham-White.
