Welcome to this weeks Wonder Woman Wednesdays!

This week we:

·         Reflect on last weeks game (sigh!)

·         Celebrate our wonderful mascots

·         Look forward to the first Frome Town Women Fundraiser on Friday and

·         The game against Purton on Sunday 14th January 2023

Match report – Frome Town Women V Royal Wooton Bassett

In their first game of 2024, Frome Town Women battled hard to an eventual 5 1 defeat at home to title contenders Royal Wootton Bassett, in a match where the scoreline did not accurately reflect the story of the game as the home side pushed last season's Regional Premier Division team hard. 

Frome started the game, strongly working hard to deny the away side any clear chances. Going forward, Frome also took the game to Bassett. And it was during this pressure when a Minty corner found Underhill at the near post, whose backward header found its way into the net for a 1-0 lead, after eleven minutes.

Frome continued to create chances when Underhill found Harris on the inside right who 1 on 1 effort gets pushed away for a corner.  From the resulting kick Perkins headed just wide.

The away side were able to come back into the game though when a low cross found its way across the six yard box for a simple tap in, and another cross, moments later was parried by Billet into an onrushing striker to make the score 2-1. 

Despite going in at the break 2-1 down Frome continued to press with Rumens on the right and substitute Peet impressing with her energy off the bench.

With Royal Wootton Bassett Ladies starting to dictate the game Frome's defence of Whisstock, Ratcliffe, Perkins and Didymus all fought hard in battles at the back. With Billet and later on Restorick making some good saves. 

A Starr long range effort was saved from the keeper. Sub Peet also had 1 on 1 at tight angle which was pushed away for a corner.

Bassett were able to grab a third with a quick turn and volley from inside the box to go 3-1 up.

With 20 mins left, Frome were forced into an unexpected change as goalkeeper Billet took a blow to the head from a Bassett striker and had to be replaced, with Restorick taking up the gloves for the final stages. 

In the closing moments, the visitors stretched what had been an otherwise well matched game by taking a lucky rebound from a mysterious free kick before taking a smart cross and finish. 

Despite the 5-1 scoreline, the home side showed considerable mettle against a very strong side. On another day it could of been a different result and Frome Town Women should be very proud of the performance against the title challengers.

Keira-Leigh Underhill Frome Town Women Captain said:  "Tough game today. We started really well taking the lead but unfortunately as the game went on Bassett began to dictate. Although we can always take positives from a game, we know we can’t continue coming away with results like this. We have a lot to work on to improve, we will have a good training session Wednesday ready to come back stronger Sunday."

Ben Bolland Frome Town Women Manager said: "Thought we went head to head with a very good side today, taking the lead well. Strong effort from the players. Scoreline didn't feel at all like it reflected what was a close game for the most part. Opportunity to spring back next week when we face Purton. We know we are in a tight spot and we will do everything we can to keep working and turn things around."

Frome will next be in action at Badgers Hill next Sunday (14th January) 2pm Kick off at Home to Purton.

Celebrating our wonderful mascots and remembering their coach, Sam

Our mascots on the 7th January were from Frome Town United U8 Eagles. Despite the freezing conditions, the mascots, dressed in their team kit embodied team spirit and showed infectious enthusiasm. They injected an extra dose of excitement into the matchday experience and we are grateful for their support.

On a more sombre note, FTW were deeply saddened to hear yesterday of the heartbreaking news that one of the U8 Eagles Coaches, Sam Oatley has passed away unexpectedly. Sam loved football and was dedicated to coaching his squad, he will be missed by us all and Frome Town Women would like to express our thoughts and condolences to Caroline and family of Sam.

Coming up this week:

Beat the January blues and Join Frome Town Women for a fun filled, fundraising Prize Bingo evening on the 12 January 2024!

Frome Town Women are a community asset playing high standard, free to watch competitive football and are entirely run by very hard working volunteers. The club is self-funded by a combination of sponsorship from local businesses, grants (should we be lucky enough to be awarded any) and, at present, by the players themselves contributing towards the financial running of the team.

To help keep ourselves afloat, the team are hosting our first fundraiser of the season at Badgers Hill Stadium Clubhouse on 12 January 2024 - Doors open 6.30pm Eyes down 7.30pm. Hope to see you there - everyone welcome!

Up next: Frome Town Women vs Purton Womens FC - Sunday 14th January, Badgers Hill Stadium

This weekend, Frome Town Women host Purton Women in the South West Regional Womens League. This the first of a league double header against Purton as we play them this weekend and then again as an away game on the 28 January.

After last week's defeat, FTW will be looking to build on a positive performance facing off against a strong Purton side in what is a very competitive league this season. If only FTW could channel some of the luck that the men seem to be channeling at the moment!

Frome will be looking to get back to winning ways after a mixed start to the season where we've already played title challengers Royal Wootton Bassett, Poole Town twice and Stockwood Wanderers.

Please come along to Badgers Hill on Sunday 2pm free entry