BLANDFORD & STURMINSTER NEWTON 3

WEYMOUTH 1

WEYMOUTH returned from Blandford empty-handed after losing out to their Premier Division 2B rivals.

The first half saw some impressive attacks from the hosts, which were held off by defenders and excellent keeping from keeper Megan Eadon-Turner.

Before too long, a deflection from a well-directed cross allowed Blandford to take the lead.

Weymouth were unlucky and conceded another from a deflection which was chipped past the keeper.

A half-time talk from captain Wendy Butcher increased Weymouth’s motivation and they came back fighting in the second half.

There were several promising attacks up the left from player of the match, Becca Duffield, but unfortunately the team couldn’t find the back of the net.

Completely against the flow of play, the opponents made a break and converted a short corner, much to the disappointment of the Seasiders.

Weymouth were awarded a penalty corner and a brilliant strike from the top of the D saw Susie Stone put the ball past the keeper to reduce the deficit.

Player of the match: Becca Duffield

WEYMOUTH II 2

WIMBORNE WAYFARERS II 1

LEADERS Weymouth edged a closely-fought Channel Division Two contest at Redlands.

Wimborne started the brighter, putting pressure on the Weymouth goal, but they found a resolute back-line of Berni John, Jo Ray, Carolyn Schofield and Jenna Bennett. The latter showing great composure beyond her years in a fine defensive display.

The Weymouth midfield slowly played their way into the game and started to take control of the middle of the pitch.

Claire Thomasson, Annaliese Dive and Jemma Brunell sharing the central midfield role, quickly started to create chances for the Weymouth strike force of Nicole Bennett, Olivia Treadwell, and Issie Gilliver to threaten the Wimborne goal, drawing many fine saves from the away keeper.

Despite both teams’ efforts the first half finished goalless.

Starting the second period even more determined, Weymouth pressed Wimborne back.

The Seasiders finally opened the scoring after a fine run from Nicole Bennett. Picking the ball up on the Wimborne baseline she played it back to Brunell who found converted calmly.

Now with Wimborne clearly rattled Weymouth continued to press resulting in a well-timed run again from Nicole Bennet and, once again finding an unmarked Gilliver, to convert for Weymouth’s second.

Wimborne started to press with the Weymouth defence conceding a penalty corner, which was converted, beating the Weymouth keeper at the right post.

This re-ignited Weymouth’s desire seeing out the remaining 11 minutes to seal a fine victory.

Players of the match: Bernie John and Jemma Brunnell