WEYMOUTH SECONDS 0

SALISBURY 1

WEYMOUTH Seconds were dealt a bitter blow as visitors Salisbury clinched a winner 10 minutes from time in Channel League Division Two.

The result saw the Seasiders knocked off the top of the table on goal difference by Bournemouth Fifths – setting up a top-of-the-table clash with their south coast rivals this weekend.

Weymouth started strongly, using the full width of the pitch to retain possession before two early Salisbury penalty corners were cleared by an organised defence who kept the away side’s shot count to a minimum.

The home team continued to pressure the Salisbury defence with Jenna Barton going close, before penalty corners from Sonya Hughes and Annalise Dive failed to hit the mark.

Into the second half, Olivia Treadwell went close thanks to excellent build-up play by Jenna Bennett and Katie Nineham.

Momentum was very much in Weymouth’s favour as another strong spell earned numerous penalty corners – but the home side couldn’t capitalise. At the other end, Salisbury forced an excellent save from Goff, before a swift counter-attack led to Weymouth’s sixth penalty corner – which was denied thanks to a strong defensive display from the visitors.

Weymouth’s wasteful nature in front of goal ultimately cost them as a scuffle in the home side’s D resulted in a deflection finish which give Salisbury the lead.

Things went from bad to worse as two of Weymouth’s more experienced players were forced off with injuries, but the rest of the team battled and scrapped to try and pinch an equaliser, but, despite their best efforts, they suffered just their second defeat of the season.

Player of the match: Annalise Dive