Keynsham 2 Nailsea 3

Nailsea travelled to Keynsham for their final game before the Christmas break.

They started well and for the first 5 minutes had Keynsham pinned in their third before they managed to find a way into the Nailsea half. Seven minutes in and a long ball from Nailsea captain Chloe Turner found Cath Hole high in the opposition third and facing the advancing keeper - a quick turn saw her dodge the keeper to coolly fire home.

Minutes later another attack saw Hannah Lacey take aim from top of the D, which was defended well by the keeper and cleared wide giving Keynsham a good opportunity to make an attack up their left and Nailsea having to rapidly recover ground. However, player of the match Zoe Pople was on hand to make a timely interception and reverse the move.

Both sides created opportunities and defences had to remain focused. Pople commanded the back line, while both Jess Chapman and Rachel Elliott were called upon to make timely clearances, before a great pass from Hole on the top of the D found Bernie Forge on the penalty spot to slam past the keeper giving Nailsea a 2-0 lead.

Minutes later Hole saw a powerful ball go begging as it crossed in the front of goal, closely followed by another pass to Elliott whose shot went wide.

Up to this point Keynsham saw their penalty corners competently dealt with by Nailsea front runner Amy Ashley. But on the half time whistle Keynsham beat the Nailsea defence when their receiver slipped the ball to her player on the left who neatly took it on the reverse and fired into the right corner. A timely goal for Keynsham brought it back to 2-1.

The second half started with Nailsea again pinning Keynsham in their own area, but unable to convert their chances. The home side settled and forced another penalty corner and although not cleanly defended, Nailsea managed to get the ball clear and up the field.

Forge picked up and drew a save from the keeper, before a loose ball went to Lacey, determined to put an end to the volleying, who slammed the ball hard and wide into the left corner.

Nailsea’s energy and enthusiasm of the first half was noticeably lacking and Keynsham kept the pressure on forcing Nailsea onto the back foot. Then a skirmish around the D ended with a second goal for the home side.

The Nailsea supporters faced an agonising last ten minutes as Keynsham fought hard in an attempt to get a share of the points. Nailsea finish this half of the season in 4th spot.