WEYMOUTH LADIES 2 BRIDGWATER TOWN LADIES 1

WEYMOUTH returned to South West League Premier Division action and overcame a Bridgwater Town side that had shown highly impressive early- season form.

The hosts had the luxury of picking from a full squad of players and reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with the fit-again Samantha Johnson partnering skipper Rosie Sharpe in a new-look centre-back pairing.

Up front, Emma Acott came in for her first start of the season to add pace and enthusiasm.

Weymouth started brightly at the Bob Lucas Stadium and played some attractive flowing football, which Bridgwater found hard to cope with.

Acott and fellow striker Amy Wild combined brilliantly and soon started to create chances for themselves.

Wild had the best of these as she chased on to an Acott header and lobbed the advancing keeper from the edge of the penalty box. Unfortunately for the former the ball stuck the crossbar.

With Bianca Randall and Amy Douch impressing and winning the central midfield battle, Weymouth kept sweeping forward at every opportunity and finally got the reward their efforts deserved.

On the half-hour mark, Jess Turk sped away down the right side and cut in to unleash a right-footed shot, which the visiting keeper could not hold and Turk ran on to knock the ball into the empty net.

The second half started in much the same vein with Weymouth looking to break and use their pace all across the pitch.

Both full-backs – Karen Perkins and Elle Saunders – had great games both defensively and in attacking situations and finally Weymouth managed to get the all-important second goal.

Bryony Webb took one of her trademark corners and her great delivery enabled a jubilant Acott to force the ball over the line.

This allowed Weymouth the luxury of giving their substitutes a run-out and the home side were containing Bridgwater comfortably until, with 20 minutes remaining, Anneka Russ scored with a contender for goal of the season.

From fully 25 yards, she struck the sweetest shot, which screamed over Weymouth keeper Eloise Adams and left her with no chance.

This goal caused a frantic final period as Bridgwater pushed forward looking for the equaliser but Weymouth stood firm and secured another hard-earned victory.

They now visit Bristol this Sunday to play the impressive Downend Flyers who possess a quality team including an ex-Arsenal and England player among their ranks.