Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.19 2020-21

Eversley and California lifted the delayed 2019-20 Hampshire FA Trophy in a penalty
shootout against Bournemouth Sports Reserves after a well contested 1-1 draw.
The Thames Valley Counties League Premier Division club had taken a first half lead
against their Hampshire County League Division Two opponents with a dominant perfor-
mance but were pegged back by a resurgent Bournemouth after the break.
The final of the junior county knockout competition followed a similar pattern to the
senior final two days earlier. Eversley were quick into their stride, controlling possession,
moving the ball quickly towards the Bournemouth goal and shooting on sight.
Laura Comerford was twice denied the opening goal by good saves from Becky Clarke whilst
a powerful shot from distance bounced to safety off the bar. It was no surprise when the
North Hampshire side took the lead through Rebecca Nibblett, converting at the far post on
20 minutes after another good move down the left.
Amber Madkour offered a lone threat for Bournemouth at this stage, picking the ball
up deep and running at the Eversley defence on a couple of occasions but Eversley fully
deserved their interval lead which could have been much wider but for keeper Clarke.
From the restart, Bournemouth were far more dynamic, winning tackles and moving
the ball swiftly towards Madkour and Lauren Brewer on the wings. The Eversley defence held
firm and they were still dangerous on the break but it was little surprise when Madkour, later
chosen as player of the match, swept home an equaliser past Jodie Grey-Piazza on 75 minutes.
There were close shaves at both ends in the final minutes but the outcome was settled
by spot kicks. Once again, there were twists and turns, Bournemouth missing their first two.
Eversley themselves faltered before netting the final decisive penalty for a well celebrated
win after a very good contest.
Eversley & California: Jodie Grey-Piazza, Leighann May, Megan Averill, Chloe Lovell,
Chantelle Lawrence, Danielle Jones, Natasha Elcox, Francesca Boekbinder, Laura
Comerford, Rebecca Nibblett, Rebekah Pantony. Subs: Katie Hougham, Emma Pointon,
Gemma Lunn, Lauren Nibblett, Chloe Proctor.
Bournemouth Sports Res: Becky Clarke, Emily Gard, Tonia Gomez, Abi Orton, Becky
Yeo, Hollie Shaw, Lucia White, Sarah Stocker, Irene Corredera Espejo, Amber Madkour,
Lauren Brewer. Subs: Natalie Barton, Rebecca Knapton, Kerry Weeks, Sarah Plummer,
Demi Curtin.
(Report by Patrick Higgins, Photo by www.jamesprickett.co.uk)

Issue no. 19 - 27 May 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk