Bexhill start 2015 with a loss to league leaders

Bexhill start 2015 with a loss to league leaders

Bexhill United Ladies started 2015 with a home defeat to Fulham Foundation in theLondon and South East Regional League on Sunday.

The visitors set the tone of the fixture, registering a strong effort in the opening minute of the game. Slightly unsighted by the sun, Hayley Calder could only palm the strike away but Michelle Compton was on hand to clear. Fulham enjoyed a period of relative control, their build up play and strength on the ball demonstrating why they are currently league leaders. Bexhill were fortunate when a Fulham striker headed over from a corner and Calder again matched a low driven effort with an impressive one handed save. The deadlock was broken, however, on the half hour mark from a well taken free kick conceded on the edge of Bexhill’s penalty area. Undeterred, Bexhill worked hard in reply but were thwarted on a number of occasions by the Fulham goalkeeper effectively playing as a sweeper.

Fulham extended their lead shortly after the restart with another great 20 yard strike, however Bexhill continued to build their confidence and started to pose more of a threat. Karli Povey, Lil Johnson and Jaz Gray started to ask questions of the visitor’s midfield and backline however Bexhill were unable to capitalise on the chances created. The hosts rode their luck on 70 minutes when Fulham hit the bar but after further build up play Fay Denyer was able to finish from close range to set up a tense finish. Denyer almost equalised moments later but the visiting goalkeeper reacted well to her angled strike and Laura Bolton saw a goal bound effort blocked in the penalty area. It appeared that Bexhill were going to steal a draw, a result that would have been slightly harsh on the visitors on balance, however the result was secured in the stoppage time when Fulham finished from close range.

A competitive performance from Bexhill, the focus now turns to their next home game against Aylesford on Sunday.