BRETFORTON Ladies 2nds produced their best display of the season as they came within a whisker of earning a draw against West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Severn Division Two leaders Cirencester Ladies 2nds.
The Vale side were edged out 2-1 by their visitors on Saturday, but can take great heart into their next match at home to Newent 3rds on Saturday, November 26.
After a tentative start, Bret found their feet and produced some excellent build-up play through midfielders Ness Dufty and Kim Payne.
Youngsters Rosie Zubek and Gabi Moore played with confidence up front and Zubek was unlucky not to score with an excellent strike.
However, Cirencester rallied and a pass across the D was picked up by their striker who gave Bret keeper Katy Kuiper little chance.
A second goal followed for Cirencester despite Bret being adamant an infringement had been committed.
In the second half Bret were galvanised and they stepped up a gear.
Fine play from Meg Betteridge and Amy Ball in midfield gave Bretforton the opportunity to press forward and in the final 15 minutes superb play from wingers Lucy Cole and Amy Pinkney really opened up the Cirencester defence.
Some skilful play by Payne in the D forced a short corner with Cole injected and Dufty’s shot beat the keeper, only to be ruled out for being too high.
With Cirencester unable to clear the ball, Zubek picked it up and passed to Pinkney in the D and another short corner was awarded.
Cole injected to Payne and this time her shot found the backboard.
Bretforton felt that at least a draw if not a win was within their grasp as all players were intent on keeping possession.
Bret controlled the match as they played the ball cross-field from left to right with Betteridge, Nat Benwell and Ball linking perfectly, whilst Andrea Cole provided great support at the back.
Late on Andrea Cole picked up a loose ball from another short corner and fired a great strike towards goal, only for a fine save to deny the hosts an equaliser.
THERE was no joy for Bret’s first team who were beaten 4-1 at Wootton Bassett in the North Division.
They return to action on Saturday at home to Bristol University 2nds.