Mendip’s last game of the season turned out to be their most important, as relegation was a very real possibility.
In the first half, the two teams were equally matched, with Mendip having some good periods of possession which allowed them to pressure Somerset Gryphons’ defence. When the visitors did manage to test Mendip, left back, Cosima Burgess, was on hand to stop them progressing very far. There were a couple of times when a Gryphons’ player found herself one-on-one with the Mendip keeper, Jenny Dallimore, but Dallimore pulled off some very impressive saves to keep the half goalless.
After the break, Somerset Gryphons came stronger and created many more attacking chances. Centre backs, Kate Penn and Sarah Whittaker, who was player of the match for her sterling defensive efforts, worked well together to thwart oncoming attacks to keep Mendip in the match. Unfortunately, the deadlock was broken when the visitors managed to get a goal. Gryphons then went on to score another two, to put themselves 3–0 up with about ten minutes to go.
Mendip continued to fight right up until the final whistle, but they were unable to convert their chances in front of goal and the score remained 3–0 to Somerset Gryphons.
This result means Mendip are likely to be relegated into Brunel Division 2 for the next season.
Connie Glover