Frome Town Women fell to their first home League defeat of the season against the League winners Pucklechurch, in front of another good crowd at Badger’s Hill. Pucklechurch’s victory confirmed their grip on the South Western Region Women’s League Eastern Division title, with an impressive 100% record.
But Frome were not over-awed by the visitors and put in a strong performance to push Pucklechurch all the way.
Pucklechurch came out firing from the kick off, showing their aggressive pace in attack and desire to build forward quickly, with strong technical ability throughout their team. Frome set out to try and frustrate the visitors by denying them the ability to easily play into the corners and get behind Frome. The defence of Edwards, Perkins, Whisstock, Didymus and Ratcliffe were restricting them to shots from range while today’s Player of the Match, goalkeeper Restorick looked commanding in goal. Pucklechurch who dominated attacking play in first half with there fast play, restricted Frome to half chances with Bristow going wide of the post. On the half hour mark, Pucklechurch’s dominance paid off when an attempt from range, following a scramble in the Frome box beat Restorick to give the opponents a 1-0 lead.
As the half moved on, Pucklechurch won a series of corners on the right hand side which Frome defended effectively against. A close shot from just outside the six-yard box by the visitors, drew and astonishing save from Restorick who was already moving to her left but managed to extend her right leg to parry the ball away and deny the visitors a second goal. At Half time Frome decided to switch things up and made the double change with Minty and Peet on for Whisstock and Harris.
Frome started the 2nd half brightly with Underhill, Hill and Bristow linking up to try and find gaps through a stubborn Pucklechurch defence. Despite Frome’s better progress going forward Pucklechurch managed to create space again in the Frome box and finish neatly to make it 2-0, despite the heroics of Restorick in parrying a double shot. Frome were able to now start progressing through midfield and began to create chances with Bristow firing just wide of the post from range. Despite the pressure, Pucklechurch then managed to make it 3 0 after an excellent move in the build up.
Heading into the last 30 mins of the game, Frome decided to make a triple change with Petteford, Starr and Crowther coming on for Bristow, Hill and Ratcliffe. The extra energy seemed to spur Frome on and both Peet and Thorner-Atkinson were starting to find gaps in the Pucklechurch defence. A few moments later, Minty finds Starr who superbly side heel passes it too Thorner-Atkinson who fantastically fires past the Pucklechurch goalie to pull a goal back for Frome. The goal gave the home team a huge boost and they continued to try create half chances with Peet and Thorner-Atkinson getting closest to beating the Pucklechurch goalkeeper but goalie coming out on top.
Despite the Defeat Frome can take alot of positives from that game with defence being strong first half and the fighting spirit throughout, in front of another positive home crowd.
Team Manager, Ben Bolland, said: “Massive congratulations to Pucklechurch, they are very deserving champions. We gave them a good game today though, defending strongly in the first half and then creating more chance in the second. Pleased we scored a great goal and played positively in front of our incredible fans for the last time this season.”
The team’s next game is the final game of the season, and a vital one in the race for second place with Frome Town women travelling to AEK Boco on 19th March. Thanks to everyone for their support for the team and continued support towards the club.
Match Report By Ryan Atkins
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