Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No18 2021-22

Rushmoor edge summit clash

Rushmoor Community 1 Bournemouth Sports Res 0
The meeting of the top two in Hampshire
County League Division One went the way of
hosts Rushmoor Community Women with a
single goal victory over Bournemouth Sports
Reserves.
In a tight encounter notable for
excellent work by both defences and
goalkeepers, clear chances were at a premium
and it took a set piece to separate the teams,
a 78th minute Gemma Bennett header from
a well flighted corner making the difference.
Rushmoor dominated the early stages,
moving the ball crisply and stretching the
Sports defence especially through Lisa Abi Lander under pressure from Nat Washington
Cooper on the left but the final ball was usually (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
well covered and keeper Sarah Hillier was
quick off her line to claim through passes on several occasions.
The visitors were initially restricted to occasional counter attacks but actually
created the best chance to open the scoring when Sarah Plummer broke clear of the
home defence and bore down on Emma Henshaw's goal. It took a fine double save
from the home keeper to deny Sports the first goal on 41 minutes.
Bournemouth Sports posed a much more consistent threat after the break as
both sides enjoyed spells of dominance in a high tempo and finely balanced encounter,
Henshaw saved well from a powerful shot from Demi Curtin on 56 minutes whilst Lou
Lloyd set up a good chance for Rushmoor's Jess Boyd on 65 minutes.
Corners for both sides had been well delivered and it was unsurprising that the
match was settled by a delivery met at the front post by a firm header by defender
Bennett with 78 minutes gone.
Bournemouth poured forward in search of an equaliser, pinning the hosts in
their own area for much of the final ten minutes. Inevitably a late chance was created
and once again Henshaw came out on top when Plummer got free again and fired in a
low shot on 86 minutes.
Really solid defending saw Rushmoor over the line after a excellent contest
which was a credit to both teams and their respective coaches for the commitment and
organisation on display.
Rushmoor Community: Emma Henshaw, Gemma Bennett, Abbie Smith, Mary
Kinsella, Nat Washington, Jess Boyd, Lou Lloyd, Lisa Cooper, Terri Parker, Louise
Ekins, Emma Legg. Subs: Iona Quinn, Jade Bennett.
Bournemouth Sports Res: Sarah Hillier, Abi Orton, Liana Sims, Paige Owen,
Faith Nhemachena, Chelsea Sheppard, Emily Gard, Demi Curtin, Rebecca Knapton,
Daisy Thompson, Abi Lander. Subs: Nicky Young, Sadie West, Saskia Wetton, Sarah
Plummer, Lucia White.

news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 18 - 20 January 2022