BLANDFORD & STURMINSTER NEWTON 7 WEYMOUTH 1

THE newly-promoted Seasiders travelled to Blandford & Sturminster Newton in their first game of the season.

With high energy and a nothing-to-lose attitude, new captain Wendy Butcher led the team into their opening fixture this term.

The home team put pressure on Weymouth’s defence during the early stages but the visitors managed to keep the score at 0-0 for the first quarter, with defender Alice Craven saving a shot on the goalline.

As time went on, Blandford slipped three goals past the visiting keeper, despite Luce Byrne, Jo Brazier and Anneka Rogers’ best efforts in defence.

Weymouth looked strong on the counter-attack with Gina Huntley and Casey Foot working hard down the wings.

A short corner was awarded to Weymouth as the half-time whistle blew and the Seasiders took advantage of this chance.

A smoothly executed one-two between Emily Austin and Butcher saw the skipper put the ball into the back of the goal.

Players began to tire and in the second half as the new ‘green card’ rule came into effect, with members of both teams temporarily sent off.

Weymouth’s defence was tested further, and, with controversial umpiring decisions, the home side slid another four goals past the keeper.

Despite best efforts up front from Lynda Drewitt and debutants Katie Ninham and Jenna Bennett, the forwards couldn’t secure a second goal for Weymouth.

Returning Weymouth keeper Megan Eadon-Turner made more than 20 saves throughout the game which earned her player of the match.

Channel League Division Two

WEYMOUTH II 1 GILLINGHAM II 3

WEYMOUTH dominated the play in the first 10 minutes but were unable to score.

The Seasiders attacked well throughout with some excellent runs from the midfield supported well by the backs, with some strong play from Olivia Culbreth.

Unfortunately, Weymouth did get caught by three strong breaks from Gillingham which were reflected in the score.

Weymouth started very strongly again in the second half and they managed to pull back a goal which was smashed home by Annalise Dive.

Injury then struck Carolyn Schofield and Issy Gilliver, and all in all it was a disappointing result for the Seasiders which did not reflect their efforts.

Player of the match: Jodie Stone