Woodspring Women (0) 1 Bath City Women (1) 1 – Sunday 18 September 2022 – Somerset County WFL Division 1 – Grove Sports Club
Match Report by Mark Stillman.
Sally-Anne Shortman’s late leveller denied Bath City Women a maiden win in the Somerset County Women’s League.
The midfielder powerfully headed home from 10 yards after Bath goalkeeper Ali Diegutis was harshly penalised for handball outside the area, with the resulting free-kick nodded in.
Tara Taylor had given Matt Abreu’s side the lead with a tidy finish as the Romans enjoyed more possession in the first half.
But Woodspring improved after the break as both teams settled for their first point, a fair outcome on the balance of play.
City shot up the pronounced slope at Nailsea but this wasn’t a hindrance when captain Taylor scored their first goal of the season, calmly dispatching from eight yards on the half volley after a patient build-up.
A series of dangerous Paige Owen corners gave the visitors further openings but they couldn’t make them count, while Woodspring offered little going forward, Bath centre-backs Owen and Harleigh Curtis standing firm.
After the break City were restricted to efforts from distance, with home goalkeeper Kirsty Barrett having her gloves warmed by Annie Hervey and Taylor.
Diegutis had been a virtual spectator but was involved in a moment of controversy on 81 minutes. Referee Pinnock deemed she had handled a loose ball outside the area on the side of her 18-yard box when she appeared to be inside, resulting in a free-kick to the hosts.
In a congested penalty area, Leah Bettison’s driven delivery was superbly headed in by Shortman to seal a deserved draw.
City’s Line-Up: Diegutis; Hucker, Curtis, Owen, Evans; Taylor, Davis; Bristow, Hervey, Fensome; Giles. Subs used: Wright, Jones, Whale. Sub not used: Hartnett.
Scorers: City – Taylor (9); Woodspring – Shortman (81)
Referee: D Pinnock