Frome Town Women (0) 2 Bath City Women (2) 3 – Sunday 7 April 2024 – South West Regional WFL Eastern Division – Badgers Hill
Match Report by Mark Stillman.
Mils Bellotti’s 90th minute free-kick secured Bath City Women a dramatic late victory at Frome Town.
Alice Starr appeared to have snatched a point for the hosts, who had recovered from 2-0 down, before Bellotti left them deflated a minute later in a remarkable conclusion.
Lily Simmons and Libby Goater, who also had a first half penalty saved, had earlier netted, before Karen Perkins and Starr appeared to have rescued a draw.
Bellotti’s late intervention means if Matt Abreu’s team beat Purton in their final game, they’re guaranteed third spot.
City shot down the slope and had the wind behind them in the first half, which resulted in a strong start.
They were gifted an opener when Goater robbed Laura Didymus from a short goal kick, squared to Simmons who comfortably stroked home from 12 yards.
Goater missed a chance to make it two when her penalty was brilliantly saved by Sophie Billet, who also denied Tara Taylor from range.
Chelsea Pearce headed Bellotti’s corner over while Frome’s best chance fell to captain Keira-Leigh Underhill, who poked wide when a ricochet fell her way.
The second half got off to the ideal start for the visitors when Chelsea Giles and Ashley Harris linked up in midfield to set Goater through on goal. With keeper Billet off her line, Goater prodded past her and the ball trickled past Perkins on the line.
The deficit was halved a minute later when Underhill’s searching free-kick saw Perkins apply the final touch from close range.
Hari Sabic’s stinging drive was well kept out by Billet, whose heroics looked crucial when a flurry of corners led to a leveller, Starr’s looping header beating Taylor on the line.
City kept their heads up and were rewarded when Simmons was upended wide of the penalty area and Bellotti’s whipped free-kick sailed into the top corner to spark scenes of jubilation.
City’s Line-Up: Farley; Curtis, Gray, Bellotti; Trivett, Pearce, Harris, Dellow; Taylor; Goater, Simmons. Subs used: Harvey, Giles, Rennie, Sabic.
Scorers: City – Simmons (5), Goater (55), Bellotti (90); Frome – Perkins (56), Starr (89)
Referee: Graham Wilkin