Nailsea were beaten 7-1 by local rivals North Somerset Gryphons Seconds in West Women’s Brunel Division One last Saturday.

 

Nailsea found themselves up against strong and determined opponents, who with their speed and tenacity, forced the hosts into defending from the start. 

 

At half-time Nailsea found themselves 3-0 down. 

 

With an improvement second half, Nailsea saw a little more of the play as Cath Hole played well.

 

Hannah Lacey did get one back after beating the goalkeeper with a shot into the left-hand corner. 

 

Stand-in goalkeeper Bernie Forge had a difficult morning and the score was no reflection on her effort or performance as following several good saves as North Somerset added four goals to make it 7 – 1. 

 

Nailsea return to action in two weeks time when they take on unbeaten leaders Old Bristolians Seconds in February 25.

 

Nailsea seconds, like their firsts counterparts, fell to defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by Old Bristolians Fourths.

 

Nailsea travelled to what is always a tough match with added trepidation, due to it being an unusually late start and because of that, having to field a changed side.  

 

OBs capitalised on this and within three minutes took the lead before Nailsea had time to settle. 

 

The home side continued to press hard but the Nailsea defence pulled together and survived a sustained attack.   

 

Helen Harrington and Rachel Elliot cleared their defences well whilst great work by midfielders Maisy Hole and Paige Richardson moved the ball up field giving Ali Davis and Danni Marks a chance to challenge the OB defence.

 

Good play from Megan Richardson, who is gaining in confidence each week, and April Kelly, who has settled in quickly. 

 

Despite creating several scoring chances with forceful attacking play by Hole, Davis and Marks, Nailsea were unable to reduce the arrears.

 

At the other end OBs were unable to add to their score either thanks  to a consolidated performance by defenders, Abi Smith, Helen Harrington, Kim Thomas goalkeeper Laura Wains-Pople and Sarah Richardson.

 

Richardson’s excellent work rate, solid and timely tackles proved vital to containing the hosts attack.  

 

Nailsea have a rearranged match at Bristol this Saturday.