MENDIP LADIES 1 BATH BUCCS 0

Mendip climbed to fourth place in WCWHL Central Division on Saturday, with a hard-earned win over a well-drilled and energetic Buccs side.

The home team put their opposition under pressure from the first whistle, with forwards, Jasmine Scott, Maddy Collins and Megan Carey, working hard to pressurise the Buccs defence and keep the ball in the Buccs’ half.

Midfielders, Hayley Young, Brenda Scott and Player of the Match, Katie Riches, each gave their counterparts a torrid time, passing the ball well when in possession and tracking back when needed. With half-time looming, it became clear that it would take either a mistake or a moment of brilliance to split the difference between the two sides.

Mendip took the lead just after half-time, when Collins pounced on an error on the edge of the Buccs’ D, controlling the ball well and and slotting it past the outstretched Buccs keeper. Mendip had good chances to increase their lead, with Cherilyn Carey seeing a penalty corner strike well-saved and Hayley Bullock taking up some great attacking positions, but Buccs defended well.

With time running out, Mendip defenders, Sammy Chivers and Anna Swift, were called into action to snuff out a series of Buccs counter-attacks, as Mendip held on for the win.

This Saturday 2nd February, Mendip have another home game in the Central Division, with Weston-super-Mare visiting Chew Valley Sports Centre; 10.30 a.m.

Carrie Tiley

MENDIP LADIES 2nds 3 SHEPTON MALLET LADIES 2nds 1

Mendip went into this local derby looking to build on their strong performance last week and to get some much-needed points on the board.

The home team’s determination was obvious from the first whistle, with every player putting in 100% to create some great attacking chances and put Shepton Mallet under pressure.

Mendip scored early on in the first half, with left-wing,

Connie Glover, slotting the ball around the keeper after a goalmouth scramble. Shepton Mallet then caught Mendip unaware on the counter-attack, and managed to bring the scores level midway through the first half. Mendip did not let their heads go down, and great link-up play from their speedy forward line lead to their second goal, which Glover swept home.

The second half saw Mendip dominate, with wing-backs, Jess Baird and Olivia Collins, supporting the attack well. Mendip found the back of the net once more, and it was Glover again who deflected the ball past the keeper to earn herself a hat-trick, and Player of the Match in the process.

This was certainly one of Mendip’s best performances of the season, and one which they look to take with them next week when they travel to Gordano to play North Somerset.

Connie Glover