Frome Town Women suffered a derby day defeat away in a tough game at Paulton Rovers.
Frome hadn’t been beaten in the League since October and came to Paulton looking to maintain their positive run. The home team started with energy and purpose, looking to feed their left wing but it was Frome who created the first chance of the game when Peet crossed the ball to Thorner-Atkinson who shot was deflected by the defender into goalies hands. After that chance, Paulton grew in confidence and set up a game plan to keep Frome Town quiet. Paulton used pace on the wings to try and create overloads and pull Frome out of shape. Frome were on the back foot and struggled to gain possession and play forward. Paulton kept coming, and after 20 minutes when a free kick from Paulton wasn't cleared quickly, Paulton capitalised to make it 1-0.
The home team nearly added another bu for a superb goaline clearance by Didymus shortly after, to keep Frome in the game.
Frome struggled to get much attacking gameplay in the first half against a resolute Paulton team who pressed high and fast throughout game. Searching for a re-balance, after 30 minutes Frome decided to try changing things up with Starr and Whisstock coming off for Petteford and Wyatt.
On a day where nothing seemed to be happening for Frome Town Paulton made it 2-0 after 34min after Restorick good save unfortunately the rebound wasn't cleared and Paulton were able to head in from close range. Despite falling behind, on the stroke of half time Frome had a rare opportunity when Perkins connected well with a Underhill free kick which was saved by the Paulton goalkeeper. At half time Minty was replaced by Harris.
The second half was much improved by Frome Town, as they kept their shape more comfortably and contained Paulton’s attacks, with Perkins, Edwards and Didymus cutting out threats from the middle areas. In midfield, Frome player of the match Underhill, combined strongly with Bristow and Thorner-Atkinson passing the ball forward with intent and defending excellently throughout.
As Frome came back into the game, chances were created. The impressive Underhill switched the ball to Petteford who passed across to Peet who powerfully hit shot was turned away for a corner from the Paulton goalkeeper. Soon after, Underhill tried from range but it went just wide of the post. Thorner-Atkinson also tried her luck from range which was just wide of the post On a tough day for Frome Town.
Thorner-Atkinson won a free kick on the edge of the box which was taken by Thorner-Atkinson took and scored in the top corner to grab a goal back for Frome but unfortunately it wasn't enough to get anything from the game. Despite Frome’s continued pressure, to get a late leveller the score remained 2-1 to the home team, at the final whistle.
Manager Ben Bolland said: "It was a frustrating day for us. We didn't start well and let Paulton come at us fast. We lost our composure and were chasing the game. Second half was much better, the players dug in and got back to our strengths. We put the home team under a lot of pressure in the final thirty minutes but couldn't get the equaliser we needed. Next Sunday will be a chance for us to bounce back."
Next week we are on the road again where we will be looking to return to winning ways at Middlezoy.
Thanks to Ryan Atkins for the match report.
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