Ladies take over at the top

10:40am Wednesday 5th March 2008

West Wilts Ladies 2, Team Bath Buccs Ladies 3rds 1

A COMMITTED team performance resulted in Wilts taking the top spot after this top-of-the-table clash.

West Wilts went into the match knowing this was their only opportunity to get into promotion position - Buccs have lost only one game this season, to West Wilts.

From the start West Wilts looked strong, putting immediate pressure on Buccs and taking possession of play.

Setting up and maintaining a good shape meant Buccs felt the pressure in their midfield, unable to get the ball out and needing to cover their defence tightly. Play then looked to see-saw towards the Wilts defence but working as a strong unit threats on goal were minimised as pressure from Amy York and Nicola Yalland meant players were forced to shoot far wide of the goal.

As play then swung back towards the Buccs defence Wilts took on a goal-mouth battle. The award of a penalty corner resulted in an initial save from the Buccs goalkeeper but a quick-footed Fiona Pridham cracked the rebound deftly into the back of the net.

The response from Buccs was quick but once again Amy York's tight defending reduced their scoring options.

Following a battle at the top of the Wilts circle, Buccs used their skill to take a well-placed strike just out of the defender's reach and the scores were level.

The second half saw both teams battle hard but West Wilts looked to have the upper hand throughout. They played the ball around the opposition, with supporting play resulting in good link-passing from Amanda Robson and Helen Culverhouse in the middle of the field.

Jess McLean made some great runs in the left defence with only a good display from the Buccs keeper preventing her getting on the scoresheet.

West Wilts second goal came once again from a short corner rebound as Nicola Yalland positioned herself perfectly at the left post to slot a cheeky shot past the goalkeeper.

Buccs were not out of it and Wilts had to defend hard in the final quarter of the match, but the defence team of Amy York, Sally Sheppard, Laura Allsop and Nicola Yalland met every attack with committed defending and unrelenting pressure, resulting in Wilts maintaining the upper hand through to the end of the match.

With three games left the season is far from over and the pressure is on West Wilts to continuing their winning streak if they are to maintain their position at the top of the division.