Bath City Women 1st (0) 1 Royal Wootton Bassett Ladies 1st (0) 1 – Sunday 25 February 2024 – South West Regional WFL Eastern Division – New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground
Match Report by Mark Stillman
Natalie Goodright’s controversial leveller deep into added time denied Bath City all three points at Royal Wootton Bassett.
The midfielder converted when Laura Jefferies’ corner appeared to be handled by Libby Davies to Goodright, much to the fury of the City players.
Tara Taylor’s stunning strike just after half-time, her first of the season, had put the Romans in front.
But the last gasp intervention secured runners-up spot for the hosts, and handed Poole Town the title.
The first half was even in terms of possession but the best openings fell for the hosts.
Sadie Farley denied Davies with her feet and the forward had a goal chalked off for offside on Madeline Elliott in the build-up.
Davies drove wide after an Eve Trivett error in a goalless opening 45.
Shooting down the slope with the wind in their favour benefitted Matt Abreu’s team after the break, and they broke the deadlock with a fine finish.
Mils Bellotti’s free-kick was only half cleared to Taylor, who fired into the roof of the net from 25 yards over the helpless Millie Powell.
Emily Dellow shot just over and the wing-back linked up well with Tanea Wright before delivering for Mollie Harvey, who diverted wide on the stretch.
Bassett struggled to create against a resolute backline, but when City put themselves under unnecessary pressure in conceding an added time corner, they were made to pay.
Jefferies’ near-post delivery hit a posse of players, with Davies shovelling the ball back with her arm.
With City players protesting, Goodright side-footed home from 10 yards, practically the final kick of the contest.
The result maintains Bath’s unbeaten 2024 ahead of a cup tie back at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground next week when they face the same opposition.
City’s Line-Up: Farley; Trivett, Gray, Bellotti; Dellow, Harvey, Pearce, Key; Harris; Taylor, Goater. Subs used: Simmons, Fensome, Wright, Wells, Curtis.
Scorers: City – Taylor (49); RWB – Goodright (90+5)
City Bookings – Trivett
Referee: Mark Niemirski