Match Report
Match Report: Ashton FC Women 2 - 4 Bridport FC Ladies
Report by Simon Robinson
Bridport FC Ladies made the journey to Bristol for the second consecutive week, this time to face a revitalized Ashton FC side. Ashton’s recent squad reinforcements and development have made the league increasingly competitive, and this fixture was no exception.
The Bees were greeted by one of the smallest pitches they’ve played on this season, complete with unusually high crossbars that even goalkeeper Zoe struggled to reach. Both teams had to adapt to the unique conditions, but the pitch itself was in pretty reasonable shape.
First Half:
The opening exchanges saw Bridport taking time to settle as Ashton probed on the counter, testing our defenders early. Ashton managed the first shot of the game, but it was the Bees who struck first. After ten minutes of resilience from the Ashton defense, Bridport found the breakthrough. Georgie Hughes launched a pinpoint long pass into the box, where Aleeshea Rowland skillfully chipped it into the path of Maisie Macdonald for a composed finish.
Just five minutes later, Bridport doubled their advantage. A corner from Maisie caused chaos in the Ashton box, and as Flo Valinski’s shot ricocheted off the post, it struck an Ashton player and deflected into the net for an own goal.
Aleeshea almost added a third moments later when she latched onto a through ball from Holly Perryment, but her goal was disallowed for offside—a tough call, though understandable without video assistance.
On 35 minutes, Ashton capitalised on a defensive lapse from the Bees. A loose pass was intercepted, and the hosts punished Bridport with a clinical finish to pull one back.
Just before halftime, Clare Darby restored Bridport’s two-goal cushion. A corner from Holly was headed on perfectly into Clare’s path, and her quick reactions secured the third goal.
Halftime: Ashton FC Women 1 - 3 Bridport FC Ladies
Second Half:
The game opened up in the second half, with both teams pushing for the next goal. Despite early pressure from Bridport, it was Ashton who struck first after the break. Following a disputed throw-in flagged for a foul, the ball was worked across to Ashton’s left side. Their forward turned sharply and unleashed a powerful shot over the keeper and under the bar to make it 3-2.
Bridport responded well, continuing to create chances, and it wasn’t long before they struck again. Georgie Hughes, ever-reliable in midfield, threaded a brilliant pass to Emily Robinson, who coolly slotted home to make it 4-2 and seal the win for the Bees.
Full-Time: Ashton FC Women 2 - 4 Bridport FC Ladies
With just one home game and two away fixtures remaining, the league title race remains razor-tight between the top three teams. The coming weeks promise plenty of drama and twists, and Bridport will need to remain focused to maintain their title challenge.
Up next: A crucial stretch of matches as the season reaches its climax. Our last home game is this coming Sunday 26th against Highburn FC.
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