Frome Town Women started their pre-season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Shaftesbury Ladies despite missing many of their experienced players. Both sides were greeted by a series of heavy downpours leading up to kick-off, leaving the lush pitch at Badger’s Hill wet and slippery.
Under the gloomy skies, Frome started with three debutants with new signings goalie Billet, and midfielders Ham and Rumens impressing throughout with their energy and technical ability.
Frome started brightly with some positive link up play between the midfield and striker. Harris and Peet were looking ready and made several runs through the Shaftesbury defence to create openings with the goalkeeper saving a shot from Peet early on. Wyatt was linking up with Didymus on the left wing and causing Shaftesbury’s left-back trouble by pressing hard and getting in behind.
The visitors had pace in attack though, and, against the run of play, Shaftesbury went a goal up as the broke fast centrally to create an opening from the edge of the box which was well finished.
Immediately after conceding Frome went up the ever end with a incredible ball from Peet to feed strike partner Harris, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper, with her left foot, to level the game at 1-1.
Frome continued to press forward, giving Shaftesbury’s defence little time on the ball. Pressure on the right resulted in a corner for the home side. Rumens swung in a corner which the defender flicked on to Peet who fired the ball past the goalie, high into the net to give Frome the lead.
Frome continued to press with chances from Harris going closest as the heavy rain eased and both teams headed in for half time.
Frome dominated the first ten minutes of the second-half, pressing Shaftesbury high into their half of the pitch, and creating chances by winning the ball back around the Shaftesbury box. Rumens, Peet and Harris, supported by Hill, Bristow and Ham led the press and the away side looked to be penned in for a time.
However, Shaftesbury managed to use their pace again to evade Frome’s backline of Perkins, Ratcliffe and Didymus to equalise. The away side came on again and tried to find another goal but with combination of excellent defending and some good saves for Billet, were denied a further goal.
With half hour to go Eden and Whisstock coming on for Wyatt and Ratcliffe.
Frome kept pressing, and with 6 minutes to go sub Eden crossed the ball into Hill who smashes a shot past the goalie to win it for Frome Town Women.
Supporter’s player of the match Martha Peet
Manager’s player of the match Maisie Harris
Manager Ben Bolland said: “Really pleased we got pre-season off with a win. We had 3 players making debuts and they all slotted in really well. Shaftesbury are a good side, conditions were awful in the first half but we stuck to our game and got a fantastic win that we deserved.”
Thanks to all our supporters who turned out in the rain to support the team.
Thanks to Ryan Atkins for the match report.
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