Highburn Athletic FC 2  

Bridport FC Ladies 6

Bridport FC Ladies kicked off their Somerset County Women's League season with an impressive away performance.

Having finished just ahead of Highburn in the league last season, and several first team players unavailable, the tie was a difficult opener for the Bees.

The long grass and uneven ground also posed a challenge for the away side as they lined up at Highburn's new ground.

However, a hattrick off the bench from Emily Robinson alongside a brace from Clare Darby and an important first half equaliser from Holly Perryment secured all three points on the day.

Highburn took the lead through  Hayley Gardener who slipped the ball past the outstretched hand of Lauren Kick in the Bees' goal. 

Three minutes later Darby was on hand to provide a testing cross which allowed Perryment to level the scores.

The match then became a battle in midfield, with Bridport edging the possession and creating more opportunities.

In what was a physical game, May Cornwell had to taken off for safety reasons after receiving a ball, whilst Tegan Parr jarred her neck after a heavy fall.

Despite the early injuries, the Bees took the lead as the half time whistle approached after Darby latched onto a through ball from Maisie Macdonald before placing her finish past the home side's keeper.

Bees boss Lianne Dunk made some tactical tweaks which allowed the visitors to have more possession.

Darby extended the Bees lead after the forward connected with a well placed delivery from a Macdonald corner before Darby turned provider again, this time setting up Robinson for her first goal for the club.

At 4-1 the Bees were in control, but Highburn fought back to 4-2 after substitute Sally Cooling found the net.

Robinson would seal the points for the away side after Florence Valinski whipped in a cross for the striker who turned the ball into the net first time. 

As the match drew to a close, Macdonald regained possession on the left wing, passing to Robinson, who turned and finished clinically for her hat trick, sealing a 6-2 victory for the visiting Bees.

Next up for Bridport Ladies is the visit of Ashton FC Ladies at St Mary's.

STARTING XI: Kick, Denslow, Parr, Phillips, Cornwell, Macdonald, Hughes, Valinski, Northover, Darby, Perryment

SUBS USED: Robinson, Dewsnap, Rodley