WATFORD LADIES 2

YEOVIL TOWN WOMEN 2

YEOVIL returned to competitive action at the weekend after a turbulent two weeks with two losses in a row and changes to first-team management.

The Glovers placed Phil Hubbard in interim charge and he shuffled the pack to bring back in Dan Carlton and Rebecca Halford.

As the visitors settled into the game, the Hornets had a couple of early chances but were thwarted by visiting keeper Beth Howard.

Yeovil played with intensity and pushing for the opener and this arrived after a quick counter attack and fantastic ball from Laura Williams released Meesha Dudley-Jones for her fifth goal of the season.

The visitors almost doubled their lead with Williams from the same position of Dudley-Jones but her effort failed to trouble Nina Wilson in the home goal. Williams continued to provide a threat and found Sarah Wiltshire at the back post who slotted home first time to give Yeovil a two-goal lead.

Watford rallied towards the end of the half but Yeovil’s organisation in defence kept them at bay.

The home side came out the traps at the start of the second half but Ward was denied expertly by Howard.

The deficit was halved when Yeovil gave away a free-kick after sloppily losing possession.

The delivery found Helen Ward who looped a header over Howard.

Not long after, Watford were back level after Yeovil failed to stop and then defend Ryah Vyse’s cross that found Ward to level.

Chances were slim as the game drew to an end but Watford’s Megan Chandler struck the top of the crossbar before Yeovil’s Wiltshire, in stoppage time, also struck the bar with an effort that left Wilson stranded.

Interim head coach Hubbard said: “It was a great effort from the girls.

“We were unlucky not to nick the three points in the end but the determination was there from everyone throughout.

“That is progress. We’ll continue that into training this week.”