Winscombe's dominant display takes all 3 points in season opener against local rivals Weston

Winscombe settled quickly and kept things simple playing some lovely passing and flowing hockey right up the pitch.

Winscombe opened the scoring having won a short corner when Chloe Brown drove hard into the D and was tackled badly. Hannah Coogan passed the ball at a fast pace to stick-stopper Michelle Isgar, for Holly Tyson whose drag flick towards goal was saved by the weston keeper, only for Kelly Clarke, who was in a great position to put the rebound into the back of the net.

The goal gave Winscombe a lift and new found energy and midfielders Brown, Clarke, Tyson and Imogen Marsh found an even higher gear to link well and service the forwards. Gabby Richardson, Vonnie Rendall, Coogan and Sarah Holland all had shots which required saving by the Weston keeper. A fabulous team goal was scored following a penetrating run from defender Juju O’Sullivan, who linked with Leanne Gardner. Slick passing then followed to Holland who found Rendall in the D who deftly tipped the ball into Richardson path to score Winscombe’s second.

Just before half time, Charlie Phillips transferred ball across the pitch found Gardner in midfield who fed the ball to Brown. Brown drove past two players along the back line before finding Coogan who connected cleanly to deflect the ball past the diving keeper.

Weston upped their game in the second half but Winscombe’s defense held strong led by Captain Kate Walker in goal.

Tia Craig and Imogen Marsh, both making their first team debuts, played some skilful hockey linking up really well down the left resulting in numerous shots on goal.

Winscombe also played really well as a team in the second half and were unlucky not to add to the score line but were delighted to come away with a win, 3 league points and a clean sheet ready to take on Firebrands next Saturday.

Player of the match was Gabby Richardson

Photo: Player of the match Gabby Richardson in action (photo courtesy Paul Knight Photography)