Beale seals victory over rivals Stroud (From Gazette Series)

Beale seals victory over rivals Stroud

Severn League Division One Dursley Ladies 2 Stroud Ladies 1

DOGGED defending, excellent goalkeeping and the ability to take chances secured all three points for Dursley against lowly Stroud.

Dursley started well with Sophie Hodgson shooting just wide but Stroud came back strongly and Sam Llewellyn was forced to make several good saves and clearances, including one top class stop with her stick when the ball was over her head.

Jo Phillips was also prominent in defence, making timely interventions and clearing the ball upfield.

In attack, Sophie Hodgson looked dangerous and put Dursley ahead when she converted a cross from Lisa Balfour. The score remained 1-0 at half-time.

After the break, Liz Robinson and Balfour combined well down the right but the final shot from Balfour went wide.

Stroud kept the Dursley defence at full stretch but Susie Martin and Aine Redmond assisted Helene Jones in keeping them out despite the visitors forcing a succession of short corners.

When Dursley did attack, Robinson had a shot well saved by the goalkeeper and Cindy Beale seized on the loose ball and turned well to place her shot beyond the goalkeeper.

Stroud did get the goal they deserved from close range but Dursley withstood the last five minutes of pressure to secure a welcome victory.

Dursley now face a number of important games without several key players.