Bristol and West 3 Thornbury 3

THORNBURY captain Nicky Bruce was full of praise for the way the side played following a reshuffle which resulted in experienced Elaine Arnold having to umpire and keeper Sara Newman absent.

This meant that they had to look at their team structure and play some players slightly out of position.

Thornbury came out of the blocks well, working well as a team and using the width sensibly.

Poppy Woolnough up front gave the side a target figure and some direct long powerful passes caused the home defence problems. Thornbury conceded mid way through the first half but responded well and equalised within minutes when Woolnough was on hand to guide home a Nicky Bruce shot which rebounded off the keeper.

The 2nd half started well with both teams pushing hard for goals, the home side took the lead only for Nicky Bruce to equalise Anna Prince then scored with a powerful shot to give Thornbury the lead. Bristol and West again levelled with about eight minutes to go with a good goal, a reverse lift into the net which Rosie Liddington in goal couldn’t do anything about.

In fact, its well done to Rosie - she put the goalie kit on for Thornbury and was outstanding! She was man of the match, along with Anna Prince who had a great game in top of diamond position.

In fact so well did Thornbury play 8 players received nominations for man of the match. 

Megan Allen and Alex Arnold combined well in the centre, to be able to direct the play to the wings and up the pitch.

Carys Allen made a number of sorties from the back followed by a couple of shots at goal.

Jess Taylor played well on the left side constantly probing and causing the home side some problems whilst sister Lou-Lou again showed promise with some well timed interceptions. Molly Smith, Keelin Hales and Yasmin Branfield also contributed to a promising all round team effort.

The Thornbury supporters on the side gave great support , definitely making a difference along with coach Max Longden whose verbal advice helped the team, roll on the new year.

Thornbury 2nd 0 Westberries 4th 4

GOALS at the end of both halves decided the game, Thornbury competed for most of the game but were unable to score.

Amy Morse marshalled the home side with her usual vocal encouragement whilst Hannah Williams defended competently and also made some timely runs upfield.

Emma Matthews and Megan Grigg were prominent for the home side with Jess Wilson, Charlie Griffiths and Lily Wolter causing the visitors some problems.

Larly Staton in goal made a number of saves to deny the visitors any more goals whilst Rachel Underwood and Sarah Brealey shone at times. Lauren Matthews and Sarah Bennett both contributed to a promising team performance League action for both sides will resume in the new Year.