Under-18 Women’s friendly

DORSET 2 WILTSHIRE 2

DORSET were held by Wiltshire in a friendly clash played at Wimborne Town’s Cuthbury ground.

From the outset, the hosts enjoyed most of the possession and territorial advantage, however, they fell behind in the seventh minute.

That setback didn’t deter them and they restored parity soon after when a Shannon Peatty free-kick found Katie Paul in the box and she made no mistake to make it 1-1.

Wiltshire were the better side for the remainder of the half and deservedly took the lead on the half hour.

Their tall centre-forward broke clear from halway and placed a shot over Gaby Gilchrist in the home goal.

Dorset showed more attacking intent after the break, playing a higher pressing game, and did not let their opponents out of their half for long periods.

Beth Letherby had two shots saved within the first six minutes of the resumption.

Although Izzy Mullen came to Dorset’s rescue with 30 minutes remaining, blocking a shot for a corner, most of the play was deep in Wiltshire territory.

With 10 minutes remaining, Weymouth’s impressive Annie Redding went past two defenders before finding club colleague Rebecca Vallard to level the scores.

A county spokesman said: “This was an excellent first outing for the squad after only a few sessions together.

“Thanks go to all the parents, guardians and friends, and also to Wimborne Town FC for their continued support and hospitality.”

Dorset’s next match is on Monday, March 24 when they travel to Wiltshire.