WEST WILTS 2

WEYMOUTH LADIES 3

WEYMOUTH ended their run of East Division defeats after returning from an autumnal Warminster with the points.

The Seasiders’ determination showed, as they started in strong and attacking fashion after winning the toss and taking the opening pushback.

For the first 20 minutes, Weymouth made numerous attacks and generated pressure in the hosts’ D, with relatively little relief for West Wilts.

The first goal came for the Seasiders after Anneka Bowles played a cutting ball through for a well-judged pass by Emily Austin in the centre of the D, to goal-hungry Amanda Sullivan-Harvey who deftly tucked the ball past the goalkeeper.

West Wilts responded well and managed to generate a few chances of their own, testing the visitors’ defence but failing to get on the scoreboard before Weymouth struck again.

This time, a penetrating long ball in from Sophie Foot found Austin, waiting at the top of the D, for an opportunity to score with only the keeper to beat. Her first strike was saved but she managed to collect the rebound and dribble the ball around the keeper to score.

West Wilts managed to break through the defence just before half-time, with an attack down the right, when an unmarked player tucked the ball between the keeper and defender.

The interval saw torrential rain and a downpour of hailstones but that did not dampen the spirits of the Weymouth side. However, the home side injected some pace up front to create a very early chance and a second goal, with similar execution as their first.

With the score level, Weymouth turned up the pressure and with excellent defending from Julia May, Casey Foot and player of the match, Amanda Sullivan-Harvey, it was a one-sided second half.

Casey Foot continued to have a solid game on the left, with Weymouth’s third goal coming from a long ball from the former down the left to Austin who picked it up and took it along the baseline.

With some clever play, Austin committed the keeper but passed the ball to Jemma Brunell who slotted it in at the back post.

Alice Craven picked up a green card in the last two minutes and another short corner was given, however, West Wilts could not break through.

The Seasiders face Chippenham Seconds at Redlands today (10.45am).

Weymouth: Foot, Austin, Craven, Brunell, Foot, Stone, Stone, Sullivan-Harvey, Eadon, Bowles, Melhuish, Hopps

Weymouth player of the match: Amanda Sullivan-Harvey

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