Frome Town Ladies travelled to Paulton to take on tittle chasers Purnell sports in a top of the table clash.
Frome started the brighter of the 2 sides with the 1st chance on 10mins falling to Underhill but the home keeper saved well as she tried to place her finish and again on 15mins Underhill was denied by a smart stop. Purnell’s now (after a couple of let off’s) sensed this could be their day and on 18mins got a corner which Frome failed to clear and the loose ball was squeezed in at the far post. Purnells worked hard to see out the rest of the half with both teams competing well on the wet slippy surface.
Searching for an equalisier
The 2nd half started well for Frome picking up a free kick just outside the area and Bristow’s shot unluckily rattled the Purnell’s post with the ball not sitting right for Isaacson to put the rebound in. Frome must have thought it was not going to be their day as a great move down the right ended with a beautiful ball in by Seviour that found the lively Christmas who’s 1st time shot beat the keeper all ends up but the post saved Purnell’s again.
Against the run of play Purnell’s winger caught Frome on the break and cut inside to finish well in the bottom corner. Frome now 2 down only had 15mins to try to save their unbeaten run.
Fighting back strong
Up stepped Underhill to strike home from just inside the area after good work from Christmas on the right. Purnell’s now hanging on still had 10mins left to keep Frome at bay but Frome’s constant pressure was too much and captain Isaacson stole down the left and buried the equaliser right on 89mins.
The ref indicated 5mins injury time and Frome sensed there could be time for a winner and another 2 chances came,the 1st a thunder bolt from Seviour from well outside the box that smashed into the crossbar which would have been a worthy winning goal on 90+1, and a Christmas one on one resulting in the home keeper saving well to rescue a point on 90+3.
Both teams competed really well on a tricky pitch in cold and wet conditions giving both sets of supporters a great last game before the Christmas break. The player of the match was awarded to Underhill for her tireless work rate throughout and a well taken deserved goal.
Manager Justin Paget commented "I'm so proud of the whole squad, Worked hard for each other on a heavy pitch. Never gave up and deserved a point if not the three. Good to see we are still top of the table at Christmas.