Wells City Ladies (1) 1 Bath City Women (0) 0 – Sunday 6 November 2022 – Somerset County WFL Division 1 – Strode College
Match Report by Mark Stillman.
Vicky Goody proved the match winner for Wells as City suffered their first defeat in three games.
The midfielder forced the ball home from a corner in a match switched to a 3G surface at Strode College in Street just two hours before kick-off following heavy rain.
Wells defended superbly as City failed to net for the first time since the opening day.
Their final attack saw Emily Bristow denied a stoppage time penalty when she appeared to be bundled over by Issy Dyer.
Both teams struggled to adjust to a zippy surface before Lucy Nurse made an incredible tip-over save to thwart Tamzin Dunne after Tanea Wright’s lay-off.
Bath stopper Sophie Campbell injured to her thumb in a previous save which proved vital as she struggled to grasp Caitlin Baker’s corner soon afterwards, which eventually led to Goody scrambling home from close range.
Olivia Dellow was millimetres away from heading home Paige Owen’s corner and Wright half-volleyed over when a set-piece wasn’t cleared as City sought a leveller before the break.
The visitors enjoyed a lot of possession in the second half but found chances difficult to come by as the Wells defence were near faultless, University of Bath student Abby Grey a key cog at the heart of it.
Bristow lobbed just over after Tara Taylor’s intricate through ball, and she prodded wide after linking up with Esme Fensome down the left.
Matt Abreu’s side laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages. Ceris Evans appeared to be upended outside the box, but as play continued Bristow pounced and was prevented a shot when Dyer’s risky shove was deemed legitimate, with no penalty forthcoming.
The final whistle sparked scenes of delight on the Wells bench as the Romans will look to bounce back on Sunday against Wellington Ladies.
City’s Line-Up: Campbell; Evans, Curtis, Owen, Dellow; L Davis, Giles; Dunne, Taylor, Bristow; Wright. Subs used: Diegutis, Hucker, Jones, Fensome, Golding.
Scorers: City – none; Wells – Goody (26)
Referee: S Taylor