Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.30 2022-23

Beady. Sian McHugh netted a second half brace as Port Vale defeated Walsall Ladies 2-0.
A 9-0 victory over Kingfisher has confirmed Coventry Sphinx as Division One South
title winners. Lottie Rosevear, Kirsty Farnsworth and Christabel Matewe all bagged for Sphinx
along with Sophie Miller, Anaya O'Brien and Jodie McGuckin. Runners-up Knowle meanwhile
defeated Long Itchington 8-1, Natalie Gibson hitting a hat-trick with Demi-Lee Rolph (2),
Alana-Mai White (2) and Jessica Barlow also on target. Ava Barnes and Sarah Costa accounted
for the goals as Leamington Lions won 2-0 away to Worcester City Development, a result
which lifts them up to fourth place.
Shrewsbury Town are through to the Final of the Premier Division Cup after Zoe Child,
Leanne Rimmer and Lucia Rooney gave them a 3-0 victory over Crusaders. The Shrews must
wait and see who their opponents will be after the other semi final between Kidderminster
Harriers and Worcester City sadly had to be abandoned due to an injury.

Forest Green Rovers 3 Pucklechurch Sports 2
Two late goals turned the match as Forest Green Rovers lifted the Gloucestershire FA Women’s
Trophy after a thrilling Final against Pucklechurch Sports.
The Eastern Division side had looked to be on their way towards a second trophy success
of the season until their hearts were broken by two coolly taken goals from Nynka Rucker.
The early exchanges were fairly quiet with the first opportunity going Forest Green’s way,
Estelle Randall lobbing over after chasing a through ball. At the other end, Sophie Sweet fired
over the bar after Forest Green failed to clear the ball.
The deadlock was broken on 19 minutes and it was Pucklechurch who went in front. A long
range free kick by Kirsten Rendall crashed against the bar and into the net of the unfortunate
Ameliah Yarwood.
Forest Green responded well to the setback and, seven minutes later, were back on level
terms. Zoe Boyd floated in a delightful cross from the right and Randall stole in at the far post to
head in from close range.
A hard fought first half ended with the match all square and Forest Green had a glorious
chance to go in front early after the restart as Ellie Briscoe squared for Randall in front of goal
but the striker was denied a second goal by a crucial save from Ellie Soper.
Pucklechurch continued to look dangerous on the break though and regained their lead
just after the hour. Jess Frazer was released down the right and her cross deceived Yarwood in
the floodlights, the young goalkeeper carrying the ball just over the line when attempting to
catch.
The pace of Frazer down the right was a big threat to the Forest Green defence and, roared
on by a noisy support, the Pucklechurch side worked busily to hold on to their lead. Hattie Jones
drilled a shot wide from distance as Rovers began to show frustrations.
Forest Green sent in a number of crosses and Katie Jones diverted one just wide of the
post, but Pucklechurch stood form with their defence well marshalled by Chloe Rogers and
Soper’s handling was faultless when called upon.
Pucklechurch were starting to show sings of tiredness though and Forest Green
midfielders Natasha Fensome and Hattie Jones started to exert their authority on the game. With
seven minutes remaining, Fensome clipped a delightful pass over the Pucklechurch defence for
Rucker to run through on goal and she showed great composure to sidefoot pass the oncoming
Soper for the equaliser.
Hattie Jones forced a save from Soper with a downward header from a free kick and Poppy
Coles did well to block a shot from Boyd but the comeback was completed with a similar goal to
previous, the excellent Fensome again the provider and her pass was latched onto by Rucker who
held off a challenge before burying her shot in the roof of the net, giving Soper no chance.
An injury time free kick did give Pucklechurch an opportunity to level again but they could
not make the breakthrough and Forest Green were soon able to celebrate a hard earned victory.
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