Wotton-under-Edge Ladies 1sts 1 Gloucester 3rds 3

AFTER the dusting of snow cancelled last week's friendly, Wotton Ladies first team were keen to get back on the pitch for this week's game against Gloucester.

However, Gloucester were the first to score in the opening minutes, through a short corner smashed cleverly just inside the far post. Wotton fought back, with some credible chances in attack, but Gloucester won a second short that was also converted.

Wotton attacked through the ever-creative Beccy Chalmers, and won a short corner of their own. The strike from Cessy Tyne looked certain to be scored but a Gloucester defender's leg got in the way. After much deliberation between the two umpires, a flick was awarded, and then converted by Jasmin George.

At half time, the score was 2-1, and Wotton felt they had the opportunity to win or draw with this team.

The second half mostly saw Wotton on the ascendency, with Lauren Leyland, Lauren Jones, and Izzy Grimes working hard on the attack.

Wotton's defence of joint players of the match, Cathy York, Becky Jones and Kathleen Burden kept Gloucester outside of their D, with Jane Hardwick making several crucial saves.

Olivia Green impressed with tenacious tackling, quickly adapting to the pace of the game on her first XI debut.

However, a controversial goal from a short corner was scored, and although Wotton were awarded multiple short corners, the Gloucester 'keeper saved shot after shot from Grimes.

League games restart this week, with Wotton aiming to be back on top form.