Mendip’s first league match of the season was against a Bristol side who had been demoted into Brunel 1 so they knew it would prove to be a tough encounter.
A rousing team talk and robust warm up by Captain Jackie Browning ensured her team were up for the challenge from the start. It became clear that the visitors were a strong, well drilled unit and Mendip struggled during the first half to keep them at bay. They managed to put 3 goals past the hosts by the half time whistle.
Had it not been for some outstanding, athletic goal keeping from keeper Oenone Bodman-Harris the gap between the teams would have been greater. She kept her team in contention and proved herself worthy of the player of the match award.
Mendip upped their game during the 2nd half, keen to incorporate positional play learnt on the training ground into their match. They were able to create more attacking chances and pressure the visitors’ goal but unfortunately could not convert any of their efforts. Left back Sarah Whittaker was solid in defence for Mendip and showed great skill and composure in her play, even when clearing a ball at shoulder height from the line. Defender Grace Harding also had a good game, saving 2 shots off the post at short corner routines.
Tiredness was perhaps to blame for the visitors 4th goal which came shortly before the final whistle but despite the score, Mendip can take many positives from this match. If they can keep up this work rate, positive attitude and determination to play for one another then the future looks bright.
Many thanks to Paul Woolway for umpiring and best wishes to Mendip defender, Kate Penn for a speedy recovery following a nasty knee injury.
Next week Mendip travel to Bristol to play Jaspers 2.
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