Ladies Second XI News

20/03/2010

Shepton Mallet Ladies 2nd XI 0 - 2 Somerset Gryhons

 
Shepton ladies 2nds were back home for this their penultimate game of the season. They knew the game would be hard as the previous meeting had been a draw and they had proved to be the hardest adversary pre christmas.  Both teams were up for this and the game proved to be fast and furious but a goalmouth scramble produced a short corner for the visitors and was easily converted from a slick routine.  Shepton went into the half time break and put plans in place to thwart the away team to try and pull back an equaliser at the very least.  Unfortunately despite some tremendous play from the whole team Gryphons managed to pull another goal in open play following a quick break making it virtually impossible the local ladies to come back. Shepton were disappointed with this result being their first loss of the season but had put up a valiant fight and did not disgrace themselves in any shape or form. well done ladies. a well earned man of the match to kay thorner

13/03/2010

Shepton ladies 2nd XI  3 - 0 Winscombe 3rd XI 

This was an interesting fixture which due to circumstances could have started off extremely stressfully.Shepton took some time to get into their stride but eventually the stalemate was broken and Green got the first goal of the afternoon which helped Shepton to settle down. The game felt pretty even at times but Shepton's momentum had improved and they had got to grips with the pitch condition and started to play their own hockey.

Half time showed Shepton just the one goal to the good which wasn't enough with the way the play was going. Woodland, Thorner, Dauncey and Ward had their work cut out but were ably supported by Fry, Knowles, Brooker and Bately and on the odd occassion the forward line of Squire, Legg and Green pulled back to help out when needed.  The tempo picked up and with the Shepton forwards pressuring the Winscombe defence. Knowles took advantange of a goalmouth scramble to build a safety net for Shepton.  Shepton were really harrassing the defence now and with some good movement from the forward line allowed space for Woodland to get the final goal.  This proved to be the final result and this gave Shepton not only the victory of the day but confirmed that they had won the league title for promotion next season. Well done girls lets look forward to our final 2 fixtures and enjoy. Thankyou from your very grateful captain!

 

27/02/2010

Shepton Mallet ladies 2nd XI  3 - 1 Taunton Vale 5th XI 

Shepton were on the attack from the off in this morning fixture.  Constant pressure on the Vale keeper proved valuable when a free hit outside the D from Squire found Ponfield who fed a waiting Legg the perfect opportunity of the first goal of the morning.  Fry and Hunter connected well on the right putting in great crosses that just missed picking up the waiting sticks of Squire, Knowles and Brooker. Vale broke free on several occasions pressuring the Shepton defence of Thorner, Green, Dauncey and Ward but an outstanding game from Thorner meant that the first half showed Shepton with a clean sheet and a goal to the good.

The second half was a mixed bag and Squire succeeded in producing a shot from the D giving Shepton a bit of a buffer but Vale fought back and with gusto. Shepton's midfield had to up the work rate with Vale constantly changing positions with 3 extra players rolling causing extreme concentration and good communication from the visitors.  Shepton then got another goal with Legg picking up a rebound from the goalie's kickers and putting Shepton well into the lead. Vale made a punishing effort to pull this back and following a confusion in the Shepton D Vale found the back of a surprised defence with an appeal in place that was overruled. This upped the pace and Vale battled hard with Shepton having to keep their wits about them to hold this deserved lead.  The end result showed Shepton as victor's but well fought from both sides. Player of the match went to Knowles.

 

13/02/2010

Shepton Mallet Ladies 2nd XI  2  -  1 Taw Valley 2nd XI 

This was a match delayed from pre-Christmas due to weather conditions plus a postponement due to snow earlier this year so it was third time lucky.  It was a bitterly cold day so activity from all was a necessity.  This game proved to be one of Shepton's biggest challenges as despite appearing to dominate the first half Taw scooped their goal just prior to half time. Shepton had chances on goal but were regularly denied with tight work from the forwards of Legg, Squire and Green ably supported by the midfield of Fry Hunter Brooker and Knowles.  The game was real end to end stuff but to go into half time one goal down was not a true reflection of the play.  Coach Brooker gave today's team talk and Shepton made a few adjustments to the line up and proceeded to take the game to Taw Valley. The play was fierce and frenzied with no rest for either forwards or defence. Thorner,Dauncey, Woodland and Ward had their work cut out with probably the most defensive play they have had to contend with so far this season with one exception.  The second half did show a change of fortune with Brooker converting a short corner and bringing this game back on our terms; Ward worked well on the wing ploughing the tiring Taw defence.  Squire came back into the game and linked well with midfield to find the waiting stick of Green who took Shepton to front runners. Taw attacked straight back but with good defensive play by the local girls were unable to capitalise before the final whistle gave victory to Shepton. Player of the match went to Verity Brooker

 

30/01/2010

Shepton Mallet Ladies 2nd XI   3  -  3 Taunton CS 2nds XI

 
The local girls had quite a change in line up in this fixture but were up against a changed opposition from the previous meeting so this game was a definite unknown.  Shepton went into the lead within minutes of the whistle starting this game, Taunton had started short of players and suffered for it following a shot from Ponfield.  Taunton at full strength  then retaliated with a quick reply making the scoreline level.  Shepton had many short corner opportunities but just couldn't find the magic to capitilise. This game went from end to end with neither side breaking down until Legg sneaked another, shepton were now 2-1 up.  Taunton weren't taking this lying down and minutes later responded with another of their own taking the scoreline to 2-2 at half time.  Squire made a few strategic changes and Shepton went back out fighting determined to take this which the general play told them they should.  Hunter having been part of the changes took her chances and gave shepton the lead but yet again Taunton came fighting back and equalised. Shepton did not give up and the game became ever more frenzied but shepton could not get past the solid taunton defence and had to come away with a draw.  Good end to end stuff but not the prettiest of games. 

23/01/2010

Shepton Mallet ladies 2nd XI  5  -  1 Mid Somerset ladies 2nd XI 

Shepton travelled just down the road to Wells for this local derby.  Mid Somerset were fielding a stronger side than on the previous meeting so the work rate was going to be high.  Both teams started well with the play going end to end with neither team breaking the stalemate until Knowles picked up a cross from Hunter and slammed home her contribution to this fixture.  This appeared to open up the game and Legg soon joined the scorers working well down the left ably supported by Brooker, Ward and Bately.  Shepton were on a roll and Ward soon added another.  Ward in goal was challenged on more than one occassion but defence of Thorner, Hardwick and Wickham kept their heads and kept Shepton in the game.  Fry and Hunter combined well with the spread of play kept even.  Brooker finished the first half with one of her own putting the Shepton lasses in a commanding lead of 4-0.  The second half showed a very determined Mids who battled hard beating back any threat Shepton may have and were rewarded eventually with a goal of their own against a tiring shepton.  With no more than ten minutes left Legg pulled off yet another goal to put this game in no doubt of Shepton being the victors.  A good hard game with great play from both sides.

Shepton Mallet 2nd XI  3  -  0 ECVH 3rd XI

This was Shepton's first fixture following a long spell dormant due to weather christmas etc so it was going to be tough.  The previous meeting with ECVH had ended up in stalemate of 1 - 1 which had been a good result as shepton had gone out with a depleted side of 8 instead of the normal squad of 11.  Shepton started with fervour fighting for each and every ball with most work being done at this stage by the midfield of Fry, Batley, Brooker and Knowles.  ECVH were a stronger side than previously remembered and therefore no quarter was given Shepton finding themselves on the backfoot as much as their worthy opposition. Dauncey, Man of the match Thorner and Wickham gave a good account of themselves as required, which was often on the back line although goalie Ward was not under too much pressure at this stage.  Shepton just had the edge and Brooker picking up a prime opportunity in a goal mouth scramble put the local girls into a tentative lead.  Knowles a veteran of the first meeting was awesome in work rate and was well rewarded following a run from one side of the pitch to the other taking advantage of a wrong footed ECVH defence to slam the ball home off of a rebound of her first attempt to put the local girls into a more comfortable position at the half time whistle.  The second half showed much of the same although the shepton attack became more involved and an out of position Hunter dropped back at Captain Bev Squire's request to cover the ECVH playmaker who had caused the defence issues in the first half.  Legg worked well on the left picking up the ball and causing mayhem in the opposing defensive line linking well with Knowles which ultimately resulted in Jess Pratten getting what turned out to be shepton's final goal.  Both teams were tiring and the game became a little sluggish but Shepton did not back down and even though Ward had a lot more to do in the second half she kept a clean sheet. An awesome performance ladies - well done and thankyou.

 

05/12/2009

Shepton Ladies 2nd XI  12 -  1 Wells Acorns 

This was not the game shepton expected against the league leaders. Wells were short of players but despite this started the stronger. Shepton were lethargic and needed to get their act together getting pressured by an under number opposition.  The stalemate was broken in quick succession by Fergusson with two well taken penalty flicks .  The game then turned around Wells gained another player but Shepton were getting into their stride and went into half time 5 goals to the good.  Midfielders Brooker, Fry, Manders, Manders worked well together ably supported by Thorner, Dauncy and Hardwick in defence and Ward in goal.  The scond half was stronger for shepton with more fluid play and culminating in more goals.  the final tally was 12 to shepton goals courtesy of Fry 1, Legg 1, Fergusson 5, meg manders 3, Beth Manders 1 and Ponfield 1.  Wells got a consolation goal from a well taken short corner and fought hard throughout this game.  player of the match Meg manders

 

28/11/2009

Shepton Ladies 2nd XI  2  -  2 Somerset Gryphons 2nd XI 

 Shepton travelled to Clevedon for this top of the table clash.  This was the toughest adversary Shepton had played to date this season and the game was a feisty one.  Shepton were first to break the deadlock with a well worked goal from Lamacroft but a short corner decision against Shepton allowed Gryphons to capitalise and even up the scoreline. The work rate was intense and the midfield of Fergusson, Knowles, Fry and Manders were stretched to their limits. Manders was injured midway through the first half so Thorner, Dauncey and Wickham had to pull out all the stops to contain the pressure from Gryphons.  Half time showed the teams even so following a quick review Shepton threw themselves back into the fray.  Gryphons battled hard and the pace was almost more than Shepton could deal with as they had not been so tested thus far.  Despite this goalie Megan Ward made some outstanding saves and kept shepton in this game on more than one occassion.  Lamacroft took advantage of some Gryphon errors and abley supported by Batley and Legg put Shepton back into the lead. The game was nailbiting Squire watching from the side line constantly shouting and encouraging until she was hoarse.  The lead was short lived and Gryphons evened up the scoreline yet again. With the last few minutes ticking away Shepton conceeded a short corner that could have spelt a loss for the local girls but sterling defending from all ensured that shepton came away with a point at 2 goals all. player of the match Lamacroft

 

21/11/2009

Shepton Mallet ladies 2nds  14 -  0 Winscombe 3rds

What a strange game this turned out to be. Winscombe played 11 on field players and no goalie which did them no favours at all. Shepton attacked from the first push of the ball, they were wary knowing the extra field player could cause problems and complacency at a lack of goalie.  Shepton's initial attempts at goal were fruitless and Winscombe defended effortlessly.  Shepton stopped trying quite so hard in front of goal and eventually their efforts paid off with goals in the first half from, 3 from Emma Ponfield, 1 from Zoe Knowles and 1 from Beth Manders.  Half time saw the departure of Captain Bev Squire from injury (again) and a minor rejig of formation to start the second half. The rain had not stopped and Squire made a point of reminding the team not to get complacent despite the 5-0 lead and to use the space available.  The second half proved to be a repeat of the first half with the odd threat from Winscombe,  the local girls showed some great team work and goals were courtesy of Emma legg 2, Beth Manders 6 and Emma Ponfield another 1.  The scoreline did not reflect Winscombe's supreme effort and the game was played in great spirits despite the lovely shepton weather.  Special mentions for outstanding play goes to Kay Thorner in defence and Zoe Knowles player of the match in midfield. Well done girls.

7/11/2009

Shepton ladies 2nd XI 3 - 1 Taunton Vale 5th XI

This was Shepton's first meeting against Vale this season and with yet another change around in team line up Shepton were fighting from the very beginning. Within minutes Beth Manders had started Shepton's scoresheet following a charge through the Vale defence and going head to head with the keeper. This was a novelty to the local girls as in previous weeks they had failed to convert any goals until the second half.  Excellent workrate from Knowles, Brooker, Fry and Manders gave novice forward Hunter a chance to shoot and another goal ensued. Shepton were now two goals up and looking comfortable. Defensively Green, Wickham and Thorner were unfazed picking up any loose balls and using the Shepton midfield to push the ball forwards. Manders once again took control and added a second goal to her tally. Keeper Emily Ward only had a couple of scares within the first half when the team lost Squire to injury reducing the lineup to ten men.  The second half saw further changes for the local girls with Meg Ward taking her place in the goalmouth and Emily moving to the forward line. Taunton had a large squad of 16 and with these constant fresh legs they began to take more control giving keeper Ward a serious workout and clawing back a goal which was how the final scoreline finished. The game was played in good spirits and enjoyed by winners and losers alike. Well done to player of the match Knowles for her exceptional performance.

17/10/2009

Shepton Ladies 2nd XI   4 -  0 Taunton Civil Service 2nd XI  

Yet again Shepton Ladies 2nd XI went to this away fixture short of a full squad so the work rate would have to be high to compensate.  The first half was totally dominated by Shepton with the Taunton defence having to work hard. Shepton's goalie Emily Ward was but a spectator through this fast and furious first half with the defence of Squire, Thorner and Dauncey not really being put under any real pressure apart from the odd foray from Taunton's front line. Half time showed both teams on a par with no goals scored although Shepton had most of the opportunities but had failed to convert.  The half time talk consisted of the need to keep up the barage of attack and hopefully be rewarded with that ever elusive goal but also to conserve energy as being a player down this would soon begin to have an effect.  Shepton started the second half with an early goal courtesy of Verity Brooker from a short corner deflection giving Shepton the boost they needed.  Emma Ponfield then linked well with Becky Fry to give Zoe Knowles the ball she needed to put herself on the scoresheet. This was soon followed by goals from Ponfield and Legg ably rewarded for their efforts in the D.  Shepton continued to hold but Taunton had found their second wind and began to challenge the Shepton Mallet midfield and defence making Shepton up their work rate with good defensive play from Batley and Brooker who regularly tracked back to support with Knowles and Fry.  Taunton's efforts were not rewarded and they were unable to penetrate the Shepton machine who came away with a win for the second week on the trot.  Well done ladies.

 

10/10/2009

Shepton Mallet Ladies 2nd XI 4 - 0 Mid Somerset 2nd XI
 
This was the local girls second league fixture and after last week's bizarre result they knew that anything could happen. Shepton were in the driving seat from the start but took almost a whole half to break through the Mid Somerset defence to go into second half one goal ahead following a typical Emma Legg goal off of the post following a goal mouth scramble. The second half saw a change of line up for Shepton with Capt Bev Squire going into goal and returning Kay Thorner taking her place in the back line. Shepton continued to pressure Mid Somerset with some outstanding play from Player of the Match Verity Brooker ably supported by Knowles, Fry, Frost in midfield and Hardwick, Thorner and Dauncey in defence. The play was spread evenly for Shepton producing more goals from Knowles, Ponfield and Legg and not to be forgotten Emily Ward assisting on the right wing.  Shepton are delighted with this result which puts them in good stead for next week's fixture at Taunton. Best of luck Ladies!