Bretforton Ladies 2nds 2 Gloucester Ladies 4ths 3
West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Severn Division Two
BRETFORTON Ladies 2nds were narrowly unable to earn a third successive league win either side of the winter break as they were edged out by their resilient visitors on Saturday.
The hosts showed excellent team spirit throughout but a goal from a short corner ten minutes from time meant they finished empty-handed.
The Pink Ladies took time to settle in the first half and a well executed short corner saw Glos take the lead after ten minutes.
Bret responded and excellent play from midfielders Emma Lowe and Rosemary Logan saw them create a number of promising attacks.
Glos were dangerous on the break, but Nat Benwell and Andrea Cole worked well in defence to stem the flow.
However, despite their best efforts, a cross found its way across the D and the ball was deflected into the home goal to make it 2-0.
Player of the match Jen Badger, who stood in as a last-minute replacement goalkeeper for Bret, had a great game as she blocked a number of shots, whilst at the other end Bretforton showed their mettle as Logan made a brilliant run from midfield before firing the ball home from the edge of the D to reduce the arrears.
The home team piled on the pressure in the second half as defenders Amy Ball and Jess Hadley pushed up closer to the midfielders and their endeavours were rewarded when Lucy Cole’s shot was parried by the keeper, only for Logan to convert the rebound.
Bretforton sensed a winner and teenagers Gabi Moore and Isla Clayton both threatened to grab the decisive fifth goal of the game, but it was Gloucester who had the final word.
Bret 2nds visit Lansdown 2nds on Saturday.
Bretforton’s first team enjoyed a 3-2 home win over Blockley in the North Division. This Saturday they face a stern test at title-chasing Cirencester.