Match Report
MATCH REPORT
Bridport FC Women 2–2 Middlezoy Rovers Women
Sunday – Division 1
After a hard-earned draw on the road last week, manager Lianne Dunk set her sights on securing all three points back at St. Mary’s. With Bridport newly promoted into Division 1, every game has quickly proven to be a battle, and Sunday’s fixture against 11th-placed Middlezoy Rovers—still searching for their first points—was no exception.
Bright Start, Early Goal
Bridport began positively, adjusting the team shape to pack the midfield and take early control. That intent paid off almost instantly: just two minutes in, Lily Pollard threaded a beautifully weighted through ball into the path of Laura Tattershall, who raced clear and calmly slotted past the Middlezoy goalkeeper to make it 1–0.
The visitors, however, responded immediately with pressure of their own. On 7 minutes, Middlezoy’s Alyssia Campbell-Farmer broke through the Bees’ backline and finished well to level the score. Tattershall nearly restored the lead two minutes later, but her effort couldn’t quite find the net.
Flat First Half for the Bees
Despite the fast start, the remainder of the first half lacked intensity from Bridport. Middlezoy were allowed too much time on the ball and created several half-chances, while the Bees struggled to regain control.
Half-time: 1–1
Second Half Struggles and Middlezoy Break Through
With a full bench available, Bridport hoped fresh legs would help lift the tempo. Middlezoy, with only a bare eleven, showed impressive resilience and work rate.
Bridport couldn’t find their rhythm early in the second half, and on 73 minutes, Middlezoy capitalised on slack defending. Grace Markall combined neatly in a one-two before gliding past multiple Bridport players and placing her shot into the net for 2–1.
Response and Equaliser
Falling behind seemed to spark Bridport into life. In the 79th minute, Aleeshea Rowland burst through the Middlezoy backline and delivered a perfectly placed cross for Tattershall, who made no mistake from close range to equalise.
Minutes later, the Bees came agonisingly close to a winner. A superbly taken free kick was tipped onto the underside of the bar, bouncing down in front of goal, but the rebound struck one of our own players instead of the net.
Full-Time: 2–2
In the end, the points were shared. Captain Cait Corbett earned a fully deserved Player of the Match for her leadership and battling performance throughout.
Middlezoy, despite having no substitutes, arguably produced the stronger all-round display—something Bridport will look to reflect on and learn from.
Next week, the Bees face a huge test as table-topping Portishead travel to St. Mary’s. A big performance will be needed, and the squad will be eager to rise to the challenge.
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