Bath City Women (0) 2 Wellington Ladies (0) 0 – Sunday 5 March 2023 – Somerset County WFL Division 1 – Twerton Park
Match Report by Fin Harlow.
Chelsea Giles’ first goal for Bath City helped the Romans claim an important win in their promotion push. Bronnie Cranfield’s stoppage time second sealed success against a defensive-minded side who were eventually overcome in the latter stages to end City’s winless three-game run. The closest Wellington came to scoring was with the last attack as Sara Yeatman struck the outside of the post. They couldn’t find a way past Sadie Farley as the 16-year-old made a promising first start in goal following illness to regular number one Sophie Campbell. Another teenager in Amy Key made her debut on the wing as seven of Matt Abreu’s starting XI were 21 or under, Key one of three aged 16.
The first half saw City often frustrated by visiting stopper Hannah Worth, her most notable save from Tanea Wright on 36 minutes when an outstretched leg denied the forward from adding to her three goals in four matches.
In the second half Bath were largely in control against a well-organised side who made life difficult. On the hour a driving run from Tara Taylor saw her weave between a packed defence, her shot was deflected towards Cranfield, whose exquisite turn created space but she shot too close to Worth. Four minutes later she had a second opportunity 10 yards out but the immoveable Worth saved again, with Wright sending the rebound over the gaping goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 76 minutes with an element of luck. Having received the ball from the impressive Key down the right, Giles skipped past Maddie Booker and saw her attempted cross catch out Worth, the ball sailing in at her near post. Yeatman wastefully side-footed wide after Ash Grabham teed her up and it proved costly in additional time.
Substitute Ali Diegutis split the defence with a first-time pass from the halfway line, which reached Cranfield on the edge of the box. A delicate touch took her past Worth before she tapped in from a tight angle, her second goal for the Stripes since arriving in January.
There was still time for Yeatman to drill against the post as Wellington couldn’t nick a consolation. Bath’s clean sheet was their fifth of the season in all competitions and their first since 30 October.
City’s Line-Up: Farley; Hucker, Robinson, Curtis, Evans; Taylor, Jade Whale, Key, Hervey, Fensome; Wright. Subs used: Diegutis, Davis, Jones, Cranfield, Giles.
Scorers: City – Giles (76), Cranfield (90+2); Wellington – none
Referee: C O’Neill