Ladies 1st Team Match Reports

Match Reports 10 - 11:

 

 

Taunton Vale Ladies 3rd XI 5 Mid Somerset Ladies 1st XI 0

 

For the first time this season, Mid Somerset Ladies were well beaten by Sedgemoor League Division 1 opponents. It would be easy to cite the dire availability of players on the day but, to be honest, those who came in as replacements all played storming games. Mary Dowden and Sarah Clarke, playing on the flanks of the Mids defence, both tackled and covered extremely well. Meanwhile, Nicole French, usually Mids’ midfield dynamo, was a revelation as a replacement goalkeeper, keeping the score to a respectable level with a series of excellent saves.

Vale took the lead after 14 minutes with an incisive attack, and a flicked shot, following up a save by French. Two minutes later they had doubled the score after a strong dribble along the Mids goal line set up an unstoppable finish. With a third goal just before half-time, Vale was looking set for a comfortable victory.

In the second half, much like the first, the home side’s fit and experienced midfield, often supplemented by their raiding sweeper, gave little opportunity for Mids to gain any real control or possession. However, Mids’ spirit and work rate both remained undaunted throughout. It would have been easy to have lost heart but, if this game proved anything, it is that there is an excellent team spirit in the Wells-based club.

Vale’s continuing territorial advantage was rewarded by two late goals – one in open play and one from a penalty stroke after French’s enthusiasm in goal brought down a raiding Vale player close to goal.

The only negative feature, from the Taunton club’s point of view, was the sending off of one player after an uncharacteristically agricultural tackle two minutes from time.

Mid Somerset are still in the hunt for a second specialist goalkeeper in the club. Anyone interested will be more than welcome at training sessions, from 7.15 pm, on Thursdays at The Blue School, Wells.   

Firebrands A XI 1 Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st XI 2

 

Mid-Somerset ladies returned to duty after their extended festive break and were delighted with this hard-earned ‘friendly’ victory in Bristol. The social ravages of the previous three weeks weighed heavily on Mids for the first fifteen minutes. A young and fast Firebrands team were certainly the quicker ‘out of the blocks’ and attacked down the right with worrying speed and accuracy. Several cross shots demonstrated two things: one that this was not going to be an easy game and, two that Eleanna Teare was back on tip-top form in the Mids goal.

Distinctly against the run of play, Mids took the lead midway through the half. A strong clearance found Kirsten Vowles in the home side’s half. With a level of speed and skill which proved inspirational to the team, she rounded a defender and then the goalkeeper before dispatching a cracking shot into the net. Buoyed by such unexpected success, Mids got their act together and looked the better side through till half-time. Debutant striker and voted player of the match by her peers, Emily Squire, gained in confidence as the game went on – and showed her speed and skill in several raids on the Firebrands D.

The second half started much as the first had finished with Mids looking good. Hard-working midfield play by Rosie Palmer, Clare Malcolmson and Di Higgs ensured that the majority of possession was with the visitors. Squire and Vowles continued to look dangerous up front. Firebrands, however, had lost none of their velocity and power, especially down their right, and it from here that they gained an equalizer. Mids lost possession and Firebrands fizzed down the wing. A sharp cross was neatly dispatched by their veteran midfielder who used all of her experience to good effect by ensuring that she got her shot in before Teare could narrow the angle.

Thereafter, Mids worked hard and dominated. Although they might reflect upon too much possession being given away and too many shots hitting the keeper’s pads, it was entirely fitting that a winning goal should come their way. After a period of intense pressure around the Firebrands goal, the ball was cleared to the top of the D. Di Higgs was the quickest to react and immediately aimed a ball just outside the left-hand post where, lurking as she should, left-winger Hollie Clarke deftly deflected the ball past the lunging Firebrands keeper. 

 

Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st XI 2 Taw Valley Ladies 1st XI 1

It’s a sign of a good team when you play badly and still win, so they say, and certainly this was Mid-Somerset’s most lack-lustre performance of the season but they collected the points. Despite their long journey from Barnstable, Taw valley started brightly and immediately made it clear that this would not be an easy day for the Wells-based club.

Whilst Mids had more possession, their passing lacked a cutting edge and produced few chances. To the home side’s credit though, they kept working and their industry paid off after 25 minutes. A rather messy attack eventually found Nicole French in an awkward position but with a trademark sweep of her reverse stick, she neatly opened the scoring.

Five minutes later Mids doubled their lead and this time it was a great goal. Hollie Clark, full of energy as ever, popped up from her left-wing berth into the middle of the Taw Valley D to meet a cross from the right and her first-time deflection whipped the ball into the top of the net.

If Mids felt rather flattered to have a two goal lead, Taw Valley emphasised that view by pulling a goal back soon after half-time. Once again, the visitors looked at their sharpest early on in the half. Their pressure led to a penalty corner from which a costly missed stop at the back proved costly. As the ball squirted from the defender’s stick towards the far post, Taw reacted the quicker and slid the ball home from close range.

At 2-1 the game was never safe for Mids. To be fair, they had more possession and a greater number of chances but, somehow, this was never going to be the day for Mids to turn their possession into a hatful of goals. The energetic play in midfield of Di Higgs and Clare Malcolmson proved effective at both ends of the pitch and, when called upon, Mids goalkeeper Eleanna Teare inspired confidence with high quality saves, ensuring that Mids took all three points.

 

 

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 3 Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st XI 1

 

Mid-Somerset’s visit to top of the table Winscombe proved every bit as tough as they imagined it to be but both sides came off at the end knowing that they had had to give everything. The game started out much as it went on, with both sides enjoying periods in the ascendancy. With speedy players on the flanks, both sides looked capable of taking the lead. As it was, midway through the first-half, the home side went ahead from a well-worked penalty corner. Mids fought back, Winscombe worked hard and, just before half-time they doubled their lead as an attack down the right produced a telling cross which was converted with clinical efficiency.

The second-half saw Mids showing real character and resolve. Hard-working midfield play matched Winscombe’s and, on the hour, the visitors’ work ethic paid off. Again, it was a penalty corner award that proved decisive. The ball was worked back to Di Higgs, lurking by the near post, who determinedly forced the ball over the line.

Inspired by the idea that they could get back into the game, Mids surged forward for the next five minutes. Kirsten Vowles and Rosie Palmer both found themselves on 1-to-1s with the Winscombe goalkeeper who stood firm and repelled the raiders. Mids commitment to attack was a risky but necessary strategy. Winscombe soon showed why they are top of the league as they secured the win with three minutes to go. With a decisive counter-attack, they penetrated Mids D, slipped the ball left and finished with the minimum fuss and the maximum effect.  

 

 

Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st XI 1 Taunton Vale Ladies 4th XI 1

Any game against a team from the prestigious Taunton Vale club is going to be a tough one and this was no exception for Mid Somerset. There is the possibility that, after their run of good results, Mids were a little complacent but credit too must be given to Taunton’s organisation and skill. For this was a game of ebb and flow with both teams having periods in the ascendancy. Strong play down Mids’ right flank saw Rosie Palmer making some penetrating runs, albeit without the decisive final pass to set up a goal. Mids’ player of the match, Helen Pearce, also gave skilful support from her right-half berth and set up a number of useful attacks. Meanwhile Taunton’s balance of youth and experience worried the Mids’ defence on more than one occasion. Strong tackling from Di Higgs and Fiona Cartmel frustrated the visitors and, indeed, both sets of defences held attacks at bay until half-time.

In the first period after the change of ends Mids took the initiative and pressurised the well-organised visitors’ defence. With Taunton’s captain dominant at the back, the visitors repelled several attacks until they finally conceded a penalty corner. From this, a well-worked move saw the ball slipped to Palmer who crossed to Kirsten Vowles who, in turn, slotted the ball home at the near post, her eleventh goal of the season so far!

In a turn of the dice that was typical of this game, it was almost immediately that Taunton Vale got back on terms. A speedy break by their youthful and fast right-winger ended with an incisive cross towards Mids’ goal. Eleanna Teare’s save was somewhat mis-directed on to one of her own defenders from whom the ball deflected directly into the path of a Taunton striker. She too made no mistake from 2 metres out.

At 1-1 it was all to play for and both sides, to their credit, gave everything.  The goalkeepers at both ends made good saves in the last quarter so that, at the end, honours were shared, with probably the right result on the day.

 

Cheddar Ladies 1st XI 0 Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st XI 4

 

This hard-fought battle between local rivals was much closer than 4-0 suggests. In essence, it was the pin-sharp shooting of Mids’ striker Kirsten Vowles which made the difference. Evenly-contested throughout the first-half, it was only when defender Hannah Finney broke away from her usual duties to drive through a gap in Cheddar’s midfield, that Mids took the lead. Her accurate pass found Vowles who, in one movement, dispatched the ball past the keeper with the minimum of fuss.

Cheddar fought back and often looked dangerous, especially down the right where the intelligent promptings of captain Beth Higginbottom regularly offered hope of an equalizer. Stout defence from Finney, and left-half Holly Smith, kept most attacks at bay and on those occasions when defences were breached, Eleanna Teare in goal showed her quick-fire reactions.

The second-half was, initially, much like the first with both sides looking dangerous on the break. Both sides produced chances and both defences stood firm. Vowles second goal, however, on the hour proved to be decisive as a third and fourth soon followed. In all three cases good passing patterns provided crosses for the prolific Mids’ striker to show her clinical finishing power - and to finish the game with four goals to her credit.

Mid-Somerset Ladies very much need a second goalkeeper in the club (full coaching and kit available) and will also welcome new outfield players at their training sessions, from 7.15 pm, on Thursdays at The Blue School, Wells.  

 

Minehead Ladies 1st XI 4 Mid Somerset Ladies 1st XI 4It would be unusual to come away from a visit to Minehead without some form of controversy. On this occasion, the bizarre decision to disallow a perfectly executed reverse stick sweep into goal robbed Mid Somerset of the win they deserved.

Mids were 1-0 up within 4 minutes when Kirsten Vowles’ persistence paid off. Nicole French’s initial shot rattled the post before bouncing out for Vowles to pounce upon. French added a second shortly before half-time with a crisp shot. Whenever, in this period, Minehead threatened to get back into the game, they were stopped in their tracks by excellent defensive work, especially by full-back Hannah Finney.

Minehead, though, came out in the second half with all guns blazing and in a fifteen minute onslaught 0-2 become 4-2 to the home side. Minehead’s dangerous striker and captain raced through from the halfway line to score their first. Three more goals were to follow, all from well-struck penalty corner routines. When Mids eventually pulled themselves together, they quickly got back on top. They pulled one back when French again penetrated the D and her shot deflected to Rosie Palmer who slid the ball home from close range. The visitors piled on the pressure and French again showed her flair. Forced on to the left side of the D, she responded with a wonderful reverse-stick sweep over the goalkeeper only to find her effort disallowed, to everyone’s amazement, for dangerous play.

The excellent team spirit which Mids have forged this year proved pivotal as they refused to accept a loss and continued with wave after wave of attacks. Ultimately they were rewarded, as Vowles snatched her second goal of the match and ensured that Mids did not leave the seaside empty-handed.

Mid-Somerset Ladies still very much need a second goalkeeper in the club (outfield player, Hollie Clarke, bravely donned the pads for this league game) and will also welcome new outfield players at their training sessions, from 7.15 pm, on Thursdays at The Blue School, Wells.   

 

Mid-Somerset Ladies 5 Firebrands D 0 (29th October 2011) 

Mid-Somerset maintained their recent good form, this time with a resounding victory against Bristol-based Firebrands. After an evenly-matched first fifteen minutes, Mids soon worked out that they would have to be at their best to win – and it was at that point that player of the match, Nicole French, sprinted down the inside-right channel. Outpacing the Firebrands defenders, she dribbled into the D and fired a shot past the goalkeeper’s near post and into the net. Only three minutes later, it was French who initiated a neat move, clipping an accurate pass to Di Higgs who, from the left side of the D, effortlessly glided by two defenders and the goalkeeper before clipping home Mids’ second goal.

The second-half saw further Mids pressure and it was only the efforts of stalwart Firebrands defender and captain, Teresa Simpson, who kept the score down. Mids’ central striker Kirsten Vowles, whose astute positional play created several chances, was frustrated by some good goalkeeping until she eventually crashed the ball into the roof of the net after a speedy breakaway. Shortly afterwards, Rosie Palmer added Mids’ fourth with a rebound from the goalkeeper’s pads. Mids assumed full control from this point on and, despite Firebrands’ efforts to gain a consolation goal, all came to nothing with excellent defence by Mids’ full-backs, Hannah Finney and Maz Ardley. 

Shortly before the end Finney scored the home side’s fifth and final goal, sweeping the ball home after a slick penalty-corner routine. Mids now await their next tough league encounter, next Saturday, at Minehead.   

Mid-Somerset Ladies 9 Chard Ladies 1 (22nd October 2011)

For the second week running Mids showed their inventive attacking flair, albeit against mediocre opposition, and scored a hatful of goals. An excellent team performance shared the goals around, with two goals each for Clare Malcolmson, Nicole French, Hannah Finney and Hollie Clarke.

It was Clare Malcolmson’s crisp shot from the top of the D which initiated this goal-fest. Kirsten Vowles soon added a second, neatly side-stepping a defender before slipping the ball past the visiting goalkeeper at the second attempt. Chard’s reply, after a short period of pressure by the visitors, gave Mids some cause for concern – but not for too long. Hannah Finney scored her first soon after, picking up a rebound from a slick penalty corner routine and just before half-time Nicole French added her first, and Mids fourth.

The second-half saw continued pressure from the home side. Excellent approach play down both flanks saw chance after chance being created. Left-winger, Hollie Clarke scored two from close range. Hannah Finney added her second with a far post deflection and Clare Malcolmson soon made it eight. The final nail in Chard’s metaphorical coffin was Mids ninth, and Nicole French’s second, goal - scored with a crisp shot after a sustained attack on the Chard goalmouth.

Mids take a break from league hockey next week but nevertheless have a prestigious friendly against the Firebrands club from Bristol, at 11.30 am at the Blue School.  

 

Burnham Ladies 1st 0 Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st 6 (15th October 2011)

 

Mids secured their first Sedgemoor Division 1 win in emphatic fashion at Burnham on Saturday. Despite Kirsten Vowles’ absence from her prolific striking role, with a back injury, Mids scored six with ease and, arguably, should have got more.

Nicole French slotted into the striker’s role with relish and her brace of goals in the first half put the outcome of this match beyond question. Her first came from Helen Pearce’s support play and cross from the right; her second, a similar dispatch of a cross from the right, this time from Rosie Palmer. In between, young left-winger Hollie Clark clipped home a neat goal from French’s precise pass.

The second-half, if anything, was more one-sided than the first. Burnham, to their credit, showed spirit and determination in the tackle but found it hard to stem the tide. Hannah Finney, aware that she could contribute to attack whilst still securing matters at the back, made a strong run into the D and cracked home an accurate strike to make it four. Pressure led to penalty corners and it was from one of these that a slick pass to the right found Rosie Palmer who drove home accurately. Mids’ final goal came from hard-working captain, Di Higgs, whose persistence finally paid off as she slid home the sixth. This was an excellent all-round performance especially, as decided by her teammates, by Clare Malcolmson, voted Mids’ Most Valuable Player. The Wells-based club now looks forward to a home game next Saturday, at The Blue School at 2.30 pm, against Chard.

Mid-Somerset Ladies very much need a second goalkeeper in the club (full coaching and kit available) and will also welcome new outfield players at their training sessions, from 7.15 pm, on Thursdays at The Blue School, Wells.   

 

Mid-Somerset Ladies 1 Taunton Vale Ladies C 2 (8th October 2011)

This was the sort of league hockey match which explains why hockey is so popular. Skilful, tough and competitive throughout, neither side knew who was going to win until the very final whistle. Mids always thought this would be a tough game and so it proved to be.

Mids matched their visitors for the first quarter of an hour and Kirsten Vowles gave an early indication that she would test the experienced Taunton defenders with her pace as she led several raids into the heart of the opposition’s defence. The visitors had their moments too but, for the most part, were contained well by strong tackling full-backs, Hannah Finney and Maz Ardley. However, against such an experienced team, it only takes one lapse in concentration to cost a goal and, after 20 minutes, Taunton’s rangy central striker found a gap and found the net on the one occasion when Mids erred.

The second-half saw renewed efforts by both teams to gain a telling upper hand. Attacks at both ends provided defences with opportunities to excel. Once again, though, it was clinical finishing which provided Taunton with their second goal, neatly dispatched after a cross from the right.

The pleasing thing, from Mids’ point of view, was that the disappointment of a two goal deficit only reinforced their determination to go forward and get back into the game. The majority of the last quarter of the game was theirs and Nicole French set herself up with a great chance after a pacey run, only to direct her final shot just the wrong side of a post.

On the hour, it was Kirsten Vowles, with her fourth goal in three games, who revived the home team’s optimism. The ball ricocheted its way across the goalmouth, before the Mids’ striker coolly latched on to, and dispatched, the ball past the visiting goalkeeper.

Further Mids’ raids indicated that an equalizer was likely but the Taunton Vale goalkeeper saved her side with a series of solid saves and Mids were left still looking for their first league win despite their spirited efforts. 

Weston-Super-Mare Ladies 1^st 2 Mid-Somerset Ladies 1^st  2 (1st October 2011)

For the second week running, in this initial Sedgemoor Division 1 fixture, Mid-Somerset were one short of their full squad. However, they were pleased to welcome back regular goalkeeper Eleanna Teare whose skills were inevitably going to be tested by a strong Weston side. In blazing hot sun, the game started well for Mids. Their pace down both flanks tested the Weston defence and for 15 minutes the visitors looked the better side.

Weston, with penetrating players of their own, began to gain good possession too. Strong defence by Mids kept them at bay until, midway through the first-half, Weston’s Nicky Baker latched on to a cross and slipped the ball past Teare’s outstretched right pad and into the net. If this did not reflect the run of play, Mids emphasised that fact with two goals in the ten minutes that followed. Central striker Kirsten Vowles, who is looking more predatory with every game, got two chances and took them. The first came from a raid down the left by Hollie Clarke. Her cross found Vowles whose neat turn and shot were all too quick for the Weston goalie. Three minutes later, in a period when Mids’ had taken full control, Helen Pearce supported the attack on the right and fed Vowles with the sort of pass that strikers dream of. With one swift pirouette, the striker found the corner of the net with a cool finish. The umpire’s half-time whistle was gratefully received by both teams, with temperatures around 30 degrees, and Mids were able to take on water and to reflect on a half in which they had deservedly finished in the ascendancy.

Mids came out for the second-half with clear instructions to conserve energy and to stifle Weston’s attempts to claw their way back into the game. With commendable energy throughout, the visitors’ midfield trio of French, Higgs and Cox worked their socks off. When they struggled, as was inevitable in the heat, Palmer and Clarke filled the gaps. But Weston are no push-overs and, whilst neither side dominated, the home side’s occasional raids had greater penetration than those of the visitors. When they did break through, brave tackling at the back kept them out. Mids passing and shape were generally good but, crucially, it was from a misplaced pass, and the gap in defence that this created, that Weston’s influential right midfielder, Tina Delaney, picked up the ball, dribbled into the D and crashed an unstoppable shot past Teare for the equalizer.

With both sides wilting in the conditions, everyone seemed more grateful than disappointed at the final whistle and as the players re-hydrated in the clubhouse, for the second time in three weeks, it was Mids youngest team member, Helen Pearce, who was voted ‘Most Valuable Player’ by her peers.
Mid-Somerset Ladies very much need a second goalkeeper in the club (full coaching and kit available) and will also welcome new outfield players at their
training sessions, from 7.15 pm, on Thursdays at The Blue School, Wells.   

 

Mid Somerset Ladies 3 Newton Abbot Ladies 1 (5th February 2011)

Mids set off determined to return from Devon with a win. The ladies started off with some great play, despite Newton Abbot scoring from a strong break, Mids quickly responded by some fast and active play resulting in a mind-blowing goal from Nicole French. Mids demonstrated an improved and solid link, working very well as a team. The defensive line of Di Higgs, Kirsten Vowles, Maz Ardley and Jennie Schneider played extremely well individually and as a team to quickly clear the ball, pushing many breaks up the pitch. This was especially illustrated by Higgs’ strong passes straight to the forward line; with French and Hannah Cox controlling Newton Abbot’s defending half with some cheeky and impressive play together. With an amended formation, as Hilary McNeil stepped up to the forward line, Mids ruled the second half with some fantastic and hard work from all players. The new set play for short corners enabled a greater attack on goal compared with previous matches, with French scoring from a rebound. The centre pivot controlled by Ardley and Hollie Clarke, fired strong passes to make full use of both wings. Midfielders Mel Maskell and Holly Smith constantly sent cracking balls to the forward line enabling full support to Cox, McNeil and French, whom continually drove the ball hard on goal. Smith set up the third and final great goal by French. Throughout the whole match Elainna O’Teare’s goalkeeping skills were impressive and praised by both teams. An enjoyable and competitive match was had by both teams. Players of the match were Hollie Clarke and Jennie Schneider (both constantly worked hard and demonstrated solid support), with special mention to Henry Bird.

Taunton Vale 4 – Mid Somerset ladies 1sts 1 (15^th January 2011) 

Mids started with much energy on Saturday and gave the opposition a good running for the first half an hour, with no goals conceived. Neat defending from Claire Malcolmson, Di Higgs and Maz Ardley meant that Vale couldn’t get anywhere near the goal. Mid fielders Hodgeson, Palmer, Maskell, Mcneill worked the ball up the pitch well to the forward line however Mids forward line had no luck in conceiving the first goal. After 28 minutes Mids defender Malcolmson unfortunately incurred a sudden injury leaving Vale to tackle our weakened team quickly scoring 3 goals in the next 10 minutes. Mids goalie Elainna Teare however gave Vale a good run for their money by defending some more sharp shots from Vales Forward line. In the Second half Mids regrouped and again gave Vale a strong opposition. Again Teare saving a number of other shots from vales forward line. Nicole French and Hannah Cox worked the ball up the pitch leaving French to score a neat goal in the back left hand corner of the net. Unfortunately Vale managed to get past us one more time leaving the score 4-1 at the end of the match. Player of the Match - Rosie Palmer.

Ottery Crickets 6 - Mid Somerset Ladies 1st 0 (8^th January 2011)
 
Ottery started very well and the first half for them was very successful. Ottery crickets scored within the first 10 mins by a cracking strike at the top of the D. Ottery converted a further 4 goals past the stand in goal keeper Nicole French. Mid Somerset worked very well building up play but Ottery's defence was hard to break. In the second half with a slight change of formation, Mid Somerset created more chances through Claire Malcolmson and Hannah Cox, narrowly missing a chance.  Helen Pearce had a cracking game in midfield and really troubled their defence. The defence of Hiliary McNeill, Marion Ardley, Mel Maskell and Di Higgs worked hard to keep Ottery at Bay. French made some strong saves in the second half, but unfortunately Ottery scored a further goal in the last 30 seconds of the game. Player of the match Nicole French

Winscombe Ladies 1st 3 - 2 Mid Somerset Ladies 1st (23^rd October 2010)
 
This particular game was always going to be a difficult one as Winscombe have always been tough opponents and it certainly didn't help turning up at Weston and the heavens opened. After many warmed up in the changing rooms and quick a knock around on the pitch to complete the warm up, the game started.
It poured the whole game making conditions very hard to play in. Winscombe were very strong from the off and score inside 10 minutes. Some great running through the midfield and great passes in to the 'd' from Mel Maskell, Marion Ardley, Hannah Cox and Claire Malcolmson lead to some shots just wide from Nicole French, Kirsten Vowles Hollie Clarke and Jenny Schneider. Elainna Teare made some fantastic saves in the first half but Winscombe continued to pressurise the defence Martha Hodgson, Hilary McNeill, Ardley and Di Higgs and scored another 2 goals.
Vowles and French continued to make runs up the wings and just 5 minutes before the end of the first half Vowles made a long run, out doing 2 Winscombe players to pass it in to French who coolly took it round the keeper and slotted in to the back of the goal.
The 2nd half was much stronger for Mids and they definitely dominated the game. The team played very well together with accurate passing and strong communication. Mids built up from the defence again with some great 1-2 passing with Malcolmson and Vowles. Vowles then made another run, picked the ball up and pulled the ball back to the top of the 'D' where French and Clarke fought for the ball leading to a Clarke goal. Mids continued to fight with some great balls played up to the forward line but Winscombe fought hard back and cleared their line on a few occasions. Mids although disappointed with the loss, were pleased with the way they played.
 
Player of the match: Nicole French

Mid Somerset ladies 1st team 3 vs. 2 Exe 4 (2^nd October 2010)

After a disappointing defeat last week Mids began with a confident early goal during the first minuet from Rosie Palmer. Exe then fought back with an equalizer. In spite of strong defence from Mids, Exe scored their 2nd goal and seemed in control but Elainne Teare, Mids goalie remained cool in 1 on 1 situation. Rosie Palmer then came through again and at half time scored to make it two all. 
Mids where dominant throughout the 2nd half keeping exe's keeper under constant pressure. Although Exe's keeper was having a great game Rosie came through to score again to make it a hat-trick and a 3-2 win for Mid Somerset ladies 1st team. Player of the match went to Hannah cox for her strong attack and constant support from the top of the D.

Mid Somerset Ladies 1st 1  vs Frome 5 (18^th September 2010)

Mid Somerset Ladies 1st started their pre-season “friendly” matches with two extremely impressive wins; firstly against Cheddar with a score of 2-1 (04/09/10), followed by 3-1 against West Wilts (11/09/10). The third friendly, against Frome (18/09/10), started with very strong play and drive led by Nicole French and Hannah Cox, resulting in a fantastic goal by French. Mids fought well, however Frome switched tactics and scored five goals throughout the match. Despite the score line, solid play was delivered by Mids. The defensive line worked well as a team from the impressive goal-keeping skills of Elannia Teare and solid work from Fiona Cartmel, Diane Higgs, Hilary McNeil and Holly Smith. Continuous switches of attacking and defensive skills were demonstrated by Mel Maskel and Rosie Palmer from the Midfield. The Umpire had a tough match, working hard to control a few difficult situations, one of which resulted with injuries to Kirsten Vowles (who was enjoying strong play). Jenny Schneider stepped up to a new position and worked hard providing a powerful support to the team. Marion Ardley guided the forward line creating and leading solid attacks on goal, with some great shots at goal from the forward line and Cox. Mids didn’t deserve this defeat, with all the players being “interested” throughout the match. Cartmel was awarded “Player of the Match” for her hard work and fantastic drive from the defensive line

Match Reports 09 - 10:

Mid Somerset Hockey Ladies 1sts Match Report 20^th March 2010

Final away journey of the year and the ladies were ready and raring for a win, to end the season on a high. First half started well with Mid’s having most of the play, high pressure from midfielders Claire, Sarah Dowden, Helen Lord and Rosie Palmer allowed Mid Somerset to dominate the play. Despite hard work and determination on the forward line Kirsten Vowles, Hollie Clarke and Nicole French were unable to work their way through Ottery St Mary’s strong defensive set up. However Mid Somerset maintained their confidence and resolve. Defenders Di Higgs, Hilary Mcneil and birthday girl Holly Smith were able to continue to build attacks through powerful balls out of the defence. The second half saw Ottery come out hard and despite a number of great saves from Elainna, Mid Somerset conceded an undeserved goal. This only fuelled Mid Somerset’s determination to score. Unfortunately this was not enough to make the difference. The ladies will be out to ensure next week’s game ends their season in style. Women of the match: Claire Malcolmson and Helen Lord.

Mid Somerset 1 - Winscombe 2 (6^th March 2010)
 
 
Mid Somerset set out for this weekend’s match in great spirits after their previous win! The first ten minutes of the game started at a hard, high pace enabling Mids to get stuck in and make some short sharp passing between team mates.  Shortly after, Winscombe planted the first goal of the match even though Mids goalie Elainna Teare fought hard to keep the attack out. Great midfield work from Mel Maskel, Helen Lord, Hannah Brinklow and Sarah Dowden pressed the ball up the pitch enabling Nicole French to score the equaliser for Mid Somerset. Much to Mid Somerset's dismay Hollie Clarke later swept another goal into the back of the goal for Mids, then to find a shocking umpiring decision of the goal being disallowed.
 
Keeping the pressure up in the second half Mids had nearly full possession of the ball playing the hardest they played all season just not resulting into the ball crossing the line. Maz Ardley Addy Williams and Clare Malcolmson kept pressure on in Mids defence keeping the opposition at bay until the last few minutes of the game until another unsure umpiring decision lead to Winscome gaining a late short corner. Winscome netted the winner. Player of the match: Addy Williams

Mid Somerset 5 - Taw Valley 0 (27^th February 2010 Push Back 15:00) 

Following last week’s loss, Mids were determined for a win and came out fighting. It wasn’t long before Nicole French found the back of the net with a superb reverse shot. Taw Valley fought back but with Di Higgs, Addy Williams, Marion Ardley and Holly Smith in the back line they were unable to score. Hollie Clarke, Helen Lord, Sarah Dowden and Hannah Brinklow worked the ball well up the pitch which allowed Kirsten Vowles to snatch a second goal for Mids. Early into the second half, Dowden and Clarke moved the ball artistically up the pitch which enabled Vowles to squeeze in her second goal of the match. Mids continued to work well and it wasn’t long before Dowden scored. Nearing the end of the game, Rosie Palmer capitalised on a defensive mistake and scored the 5^th and final goal. Man of the match: Hollie Clarke

Minehead Ladies 6-2 Mid Somerset Ladies

 
This was a game that in the first half of the season was close and Mid Somerset proved that in the first half that we could of potentially have the game. Minehead gained possession from the off and scored the first goal within 5 minutes of the game. Mid Somerset replied straight away with a 16 yard hit out from Diane Higgs straight through to Nicole French who ran half the pitch dribbling around players and scored. Mids continued to put pressure on but Minehead broke and scored again. Some great play between Sarah Dowden and Hollie Clarke lead to the next goal from Kirsten Vowles. Just before half time Minehead scored to make it 3-2. Mids came out positively in the second half and had some great passing between Helen Lord and Claire Malcolmson. Unfortunately our luck was out and Mineheads was in as 3 more shots scooted passed the defence line with Addy Williams and Di Higgs putting up some fantastic pressure. Chloe Leyshon who kindly played in goal at late notice made some superb saves! Player of the match Nicole French.

Mid Somerset ladies 1sts -1 Chard-2  (6^th February 2010)
 
After two wins on the trot Mid Somerset were hoping to secure a 3rd win at home to Chard who currently sit one above mids in the league table. Mids started well and took the lead with a well struck shot by Clare Malcolmson.  Mids then continued to play well, with most of the possession but Chard were good on the break and managed to equalise just before half time. Chard then came out with renewed motivation and pressurised the Mids defence but Terri Wipfler, Dianne Higgs and Gillian Buzzard put in good performances at the back and made it difficult for Chard to score.  Chard were eventually successful making the score 2-1 .Mids could not reply and score remained 2-1 to Chard.  Player of the match Clare Malcolmson.

Cheddar 1-5 Mid Somerset 1^st (23^rd January 2010)
 
this week’s game was one that Mid Somerset needed to win. Mids came out exceptionally strong and some fantastic team work lead to the first goal by Sarah Dowden, and within the next 5 minutes Dowden had another. Mids did then settle down a bit too much and Cheddar got a goal just before half time. A positive half time team talk gave Mids the strength to come out in the 2nd half harder than the 1st. Pressure from the midfield Rosie Palmer, Dowden, Marion Ardley and Mel Maskell and the forwards Hollie Clarke Nicole French and Kirsten Vowles meant Mids retained possession and the next goal came from French. The defence Diane Higgs, Jo Jefferies, Helen Lord and keeper Elainna Teare kept Cheddar out of the Mids half. Vowles then had her 1st after some brilliant passing by all the team. Vowles kept the pressure on and finished the scoring with her 2nd.
 
Player of the match Nicole French

Exe 1 - Mid Somerset 1 (16^th January 2010 Push Back 11:00) 

After an extended break over Christmas and matches rearranged because of snow, Mids came out with a fresh mind in Exeter. The match took a while to get to full speed; however we had a few breaks at the beginning of the first half from Hollie Clarke, Chloe Leyshon, Rosie Palmer and Sarah Dowden however Mids didn’t get to finish these off. Exe then put the pressure on leaving the Mids defence fighting around to protect their goal. Becky Goodland, Nicole French and Helen Lord tackled hard and brought the ball to the midfield that then made a great pass to Kirsten Vowles who finished the first goal of the match off. Di Higgs made some great switches to the right and left half’s unfortunately being intercepted by the Exe attack that then went on to score the equaliser. In the Second half, Mids kept up the fight with some great saves from keeper Elainna Teare however unfortunately didn’t increase the score for a Win. Player of the match: Helen Lord.

Mid Somerset 1 – Taunton Civil Service 1 (12th December Push Back 15:00)

A close match between two teams next to each other in the table coming up to Christmas. Mids started well with some good passing from Hannah Brinklow and Maz Ardley and confident play at the back from Helen Lord and Laura Plummer. Mids eventually scored first when Nicole French helped convert a short corner putting the ball confidently past the keeper.

Mids the kept up the pressure but Civil Service finally broke away and equalised leaving the score 1 – 1. Service came out with fresh enthusiasm and a change in formation. Mids defence stood strong and the score remained 1- 1 at full time.

Player of the match Laura Plummer.

Mid Somerset ladies 1st 3 Ottery Crickets 1 (5th December 2009 Push Back 15:00)
 
Mids came out hard this week, determined to get a win. There was good attacking play between Holly Clarke, Kirsten Vowles and Rosie Palmer resulting in a goal finished by Holly Clarke. Ottery came back strong determined to equalise with a goal, but Mids were not going to give up. Mids defence was strong with some good work between Nicole French, Diana Higgs and Claire Malone, clearing the ball out to the wings where Mel Maskell, Maz Ardley and Hannah Brinklow worked the ball up the pitch resulting in another goal from Kirsten Vowles. A few switching of positions opened up more opportunities for Mids and a third goal was scored again by Vowles. Well deserved player of the match was Hannah Brinklow.

Winscombe I: 4 Mid Somerset Ladies I: 0 (21st November 2009)

Mids set off early to a wet and windy Weston. The match started with some great play from Mids with strong passing from Helen Lord and Di Higgis. Unfortunately, Mids struggled to finish off some impressive breaks and strong positioning lead by the forward line of Kirsten Vowles and Hollie Clarke. Despite Mid’s solid defensive line Winscombe worked well to score two goals within the first half. After a few position changes, Mids attacked the second half with some great passing from Nicole French and Holly Smith. However, Mids yet again struggled to bring the goal score up to meet the play across the pitch with Winscombe scoring a further two goals. Clare Malcolmson and Laura Palmer worked well together producing some solid play. Elanna Teare continued her determined and impressive goalkeeping performance throughout the match. Gillian Buzzard and Rosie Brice both enjoyed a fantastic debut for the first team and worked hard on the right side.  Claire Malcolmson was the man of the match who had a fantastic game incorporating a supportive midfield position together with some great attacking play on the left side.

Taw Valley 3 – Mid Somerset 2 (14th November 2009)

Mid Somerset set off bright and early to a blustery Barnstable. Mids started off well with some intricate passing, considering there were a few new members of the team however all players bonded quickly. Possession of the ball was held my Mid – Somerset neatly by Hollie Smith and Jennie Schneider down the right hand side. Taws sharp tackles intercepted the ball leaving the mid defence shocked by their first unexpected goal. Determined to get the game back, Mids fought hard with some great defensive play from Nicole French, Di Higgs and Jo Jefferies. Some aggressive tackling in home side’s defensive 'D' gave Mids a well deserved short corner which was powerfully struck by Donna Phillips to equalise the score.  

The second half started with a few position changes for the Mid Somerset line up with Donna Phillips moving up to the forward line. After Mids got back into the flow, some great passes from Hollie Smith lead to a reverse stick sweep from Phillips then Hollie Clarke to smash the ball into the back of the goal. Taw broke the play and again scored to make a draw.  Equalising Mids kept their calm until the last 5 minutes of the game where Elainna Teare had to save some scrappy play from Taw off the goal line. Although most of the ball possession was held by Mid Somerset, Taw went on in the next minutes to roll the ball into the back of their home goal.

 Player of the match: Di Higgs

Mid Somerset Ladies 1sts 2 – Minehead Ladies 3 (7^th November 2009)

After the game last week Mid Somerset had some positives to work with and the set up was pretty much untouched as the team lined up for the beginning of the match. The first 10 minutes of the first half Mid Somerset weren't quite ready and Minehead put pressure on the defence Laura Plummer, Nicole French, Di Higgs and Donna Phillips which led to an unfortunate deflection from a short corner. That seemed to switch some lights for the Mids players and a quick turn from the back line saw French and Rosie Palmer complete some great 1-2's up the pitch with a quick ball fired in to Sarah Dowden followed by a sweep to Kirsten Vowles a well deserved equaliser after some great team work. Pressure from Helen Lord, Hannah Brinklow, and Hollie Clarke led to second goal for Vowles. Thanks to our goal keeper Elainna Teare with some outstanding saves in the first half which meant that Mids went into the second half on top. Positive words spoken at half time meant that Mids came out strong in the second half but so did Minehead. Quick pressure on the Mids back line by Minehead resulted in an early equaliser in the second half. Unfortunately this shook Mids up and Minehead grabbed a goal 10 minutes before the end of the game and Mids we unable to capitalise on some of the chances.
Elainna Teare Woman of the match.

Mid Somerset 1st Ladies 4 v Chard 3 (24th October)

Mids started this weekend’s game with a very positive mind-set. From the off Mid’s used fast, first touch passing to get the ball rapidly into Chard’s D. This subsequently paved the way for a strong strike from Donna Phillips which was narrowly saved though a well positioned Rosie Palmer was on the receiving end of the deflection to tidily put away the first goal. A number of strong offensive runs by Chard tested Mid’s defence who fought back hard using brilliant switch passing between Mel, Lolly, Nic, Helen and Di to keep Chard at bay though allowing a few taster shots on Mid‘s goalie Elainna who played a very strong match. Tightly controlled ball handling skills allowed mid’s to push hard against chard defence allowing Helen Lord to get free and put away Mid’s second goal. Mids managed to put away 2 more goals in quick succession by very well placed reflective shots from Di Higgs then neatly swept into the back of the net by Kirsten Vowles. Brilliant midfield and wing play from Maze, Sarah. Clare and Kirsten kept the ball wide making things very tough for Chard. Numerous big shots from Donna Phillips unfortunately couldn’t be put into the back of the net despite this Mid’s played a strong team game and are improving with each match. Woman of the match Nicole French

 

Mid Somerset Ladies Firsts 3 - Ashmoor Ladies 5 (Saturday 17th October)

After drawing last week, Mids were determined to produce a good result away to Ashmoor. Mids started the game defensively with a strong defensive line-up consisting of Laura Plummer, Donna Phillips, Nicole French and Kirsten Vowles who all worked hard however the well drilled Ashmoor were soon rewarded a short corner which they converted. Mids continued to work hard throughout the first half however they could not keep Ashmoor attackers out of the D and they were awarded 3 more shorts corners which were all converted. Rosie Palmer, Jennie Schneider and Hollie Clarke worked hard in the forward line and managed to get the ball into the back of the net. A positive half time talk saw Mids come out with a more attacking mind. Some excellent saves and strong offensive play by Elainna Teare kept Ashmoor at bay. A good feed by Palmer into the D and a strong pass from Sarah Dowden to Clarke who nutmegged the goalie with a reverse shot saw Mid’s claim there 2^nd goal. After pressurising the Mid’s defence once more, Ashmoor reaped another goal. Marion Ardley, Holly Smith and Leanna Burt kept good width and worked the ball up the pitch. As the final whistle went, Mids were awarded a short corner. With a strong strike from Phillips, Palmer picked up the deflection and the ball flew past the goalie to make the final score 5-3. Player of the match: Laura Plummer    

Mid Somerset Ladies Firsts 3 - Cheddar 2nds 3 (Saturday 10th October)
 
This was a tough game for Mids following on from a good win last week.  The game was physical with both teams really wanting a win.  Mids scored first with a well worked goal finished off by Rosie Palmer but Cheddar responded immediately levelling the score which remained the same until half time.  10 minutes into the 2nd half Mids took the lead for the second time when Kirsten Vowles set Palmer up for her 2nd goal but again Cheddar retaliated with a goal to make the score 2 all.  Unfortunately for Mids Charlotte Worthy-Jarvis then picked up an injury in goal however Nicole French stood in and did a great job.  Cheddar then took the lead which put the pressure on Mids but they kept working hard with Hannah Brinklow and Laura Plummer linking up well on the left. Diane Higgs and Helen Lord attacked the D tirelessly aiding Palmer in completing a hat-trick and levelling the score.  Mel Maskel had a solid game at right back and was voted player of the match. 

Mid Somerset Ladies 1st vs Exe 4ths  (Saturday 3rd October. Final score 5-0 to Mids)
 
Following on from a dissapointing result last week Mid Somerset came out with a new formation and started the game well.  With a defensiive set up and Marion Ardley controling the back Exeter struggled to penetrate the Mids defence. Mid somerset dominated posession with good play between Laura Plummer and Hannah Brinklow on the left.  The passing was much improved from last week and Dianne Higgs and Sarah Dowden worked hard in the middle to prevent Exeter forming an attack. The first half was frustating however, as Mids just couldn't seem to find the net, despite good play up both wings with Mel Maskel and Hannah Cox working well on the right.
 
A half time talk and a change to the formation by coach Andy Rogers saw Mids add Nicole French and Hollie Clark to the forward line.  This proved a good decision and it wasn't long before Hollie Clark scored.  With a strengthened forward line the goals came thick and fast, Clark got her second and then Hollie Smith scored a great first goal for her club.  Mids grew in confidence and Captain Rosie Palmer put them 4-0 up before Clark finished off with a Hatrick.  Player of the Match Hollie Clark

Mid-Somerset Ladies 1st Vs Taunton Vale 3rd (Saturday 26th September. Final score 5-1 to Vale)

The first league match of the season was always going to be tough for a slightly altered Mids team, but everyone went out with a positive attitude and there are many good points to be taken from the game.  Against strong opposition Mids played their own game with confident passing.  Vale scored after 10 minutes with some skilful play, they then continued to pressure the Mid's defence hunting for a second but Mids held their own especially Charlotte Worthy-Jarvis in goal who made some outstanding saves. Mids then pressured the Vale defence working the ball well into the D and were rewarded when Kirsten Vowles evened the score.  Vale scored again to put them 2-1 up at half time. The second half saw Vale came out with fresh determination and pressured the Mid's defence with a succession of goals but Mid Somerset continued to fight with some good chances right up until the end.  Youngsters Jenny Schneider and Hollie Clarke played well and Hollie Clarke was joint man of the match with Laura Plummer.