Jade Barry's star performance tops Winscombe 1sts' quality display against Premier 2 opposition!

The John Hodge Solicitors' Player of the Match: Jade Barry

The Game started with quick-fire passing from Clevedon but not for long as Winscombe forced an early turn-over of possession to work the ball through the defence and midfield to the forwards who created several chances on goal. This pattern and pressure continued throughout the first half, with Winscombe creating plenty of chances. A tightly packed and defended D meant that Winscombe had to think creatively and play the ball around to draw out the defense. Captain Kelly Clark held a strong pivot-position at the top of the D and forward Gabby Richardson 'posted-up' off the baseline to receive the ball in space.

Winscombe couldn't capitalise on this good pressure and a 16 yard Clevedon hit-out, beat the Winscombe 'press' and lead to a swift breakaway. Clevedon's slick passing through the midfield was only thwarted when, what would have been a 'killer pass' to their centre forward was expertly intercepted by Winscombe's left back Michelle Isgar.

Winscombe seized this opportunity and sent the ball back up the left, through left midfielder and Player of the Match, Jade Barry, towards the 'ever alert' Keri Willis - who made excellent runs into space throughout. However, Winscombe were still unable to score.

Using all areas of the pitch, Winscombe made some well-structured passes around the back through through centre-back Julie O’Sullivan, whose strong hitting exploited gaps in the Clevedon line up.

An excellent break from Clevedon, beat the Winscombe defense, to open the scoring but Winscombe rallied quickly to score themselves from a well-worked short corner: A strong injection by Jade Barry, stopped by Michelle Isgar, slipped to Gabby Richardson who in turn passed to the penalty spot where Kelly Clark was waiting to send the ball home.

Clevedon's response was also swift and clinical as they managed to regain the lead just before half-time.

The second half saw some excellent, high quality hockey played by both teams. Winscombe continued to work the ball well, particularly through right back Claudia Routhorn-James who combined well with midfielder Chloe Brown who showed her pace and skills to beat her marker and to set up more chances for the forwards. Eventually this pressure paid off as Keri Willis found Leanne Gardner who scored Winscombe's 2nd to draw the match level.

As anticipated, Clevedon 'upped the anti' and Winscombe had to rely on some strong defending with keeper Kate Walker making vital saves, clearances from defender Caroline Marsh and forward Megan Coe, tracking back to help out the defense, keeping Clevedon temporarily at bay until they managed to score two more goals in quick succession.

The final scoreline of 4-2 belied the competitiveness of the match and how well Winscombe played.

The John Hodge Solicitors' Player of the Match was: Jade Barry.