FROME TOWN 1, Dorchester LADIES 5

Dorchester Town Ladies stay top of the South-West League Division One after their emphatic victory over third placed Frome.

Thomas Hardye student Bev Symes made a sparkling debut for the county town side, scoring one goal and playing a leading role in the build-up to another as her side adapted best to the driving wind and rain and heavy pitch.

A natural left-footer Symes, who plays for her successful school team, added the width the ladies have been missing and supported by Sue Brown at left back she made an impressive start, often releasing attackers Martin and Rowlands.

With O'Rourke flying down the right wing, the Frome defence was often stretched and both Martin and James came close in the early stages.

The opening goal took 26 minutes to arrive, but the manner of the goal was worth the wait. Symes battled hard to win the ball and sent a simple pass to Rowlands who neatly turned and passed to Martin. She then found the surging O'Rourke who volleyed past the 'keeper from 20 yard.

After another five minutes of sustained pressure, Frome were unable to contain the visitors and James made it

2-0 before O'Rourke got the third goal after linking again with James and Martin.

The fragile Frome defence was penetrated again eight minutes after the restart and James hit her second when her pace left her with only the keeper to beat.

Four minutes later Symes found herself in a one-on-one with the 'keeper and followed James' lead.

As Dorchester began to tire, Frome got a late consolation goal when their best player Eve Berry powered a header past Heffer from a free-kick awarded against Town's player-manager Annabel Whalley. James' protests resulted in her being shown the red card.