After an early pitch inspection on Sunday morning , the ladies scheduled fixture away to Wool was postponed due to a water logged pitch.
A fixture was then agreed and brought forward and the ladies travelled to Bridport for their third league game!
On a long but narrow pitch in good conditions all considered, the ladies set the early pace with free flowing attacking Football which resulted in the opening 5 minutes being awarded a penalty. Ali Scott-Sheppard was chopped down by the Bridport keeper after an excellent turn of speed past the fullback. Having missed our previous two penalties, a new penalty taker Sarah Evans (Scev) stepped up only to be foiled again by the keeper!
Shortly after the penalty miss the ladies kept pressing and were awarded a corner, Scev crossed superbly for Ali to head it into the back of the net to make it 0-1 to the visitors. Further chances were created with Shaftesbury dominating the attacks with the Shaftesbury defence rarely threated but with new Goalkeeper Lauren Cook looking solid in her debut clearing any long balls over the top. Jenny Doble made her first start of the season and was solid until pulling up with a leg injury meaning Tam Grey slotted back in to the 4. Katie Horsborough was introduced 5 minutes from time after a lengthy lay off. Half time the score was 0-1 but with Shaftesbury having most of the game.
It was important that Shaftesbury started as they finished the half with some strong words of encouragement from their Coach, they instantly doubled the advantage on the 47th Minute with a great solo effort and first League goal for winger Casey Pickett. A well taken right foot thunderbolt after a mazey run is hopefully something we will see time and again from this promising youngster. With the 2 goal cushion Shaftesbury kicked on again playing with freedom and confidence and it wasn’t long before they added a third. Just minutes before an obvious penalty miss for SFC, Katie had revenge with an angry pile driver that gave the keeper no chance (assisted by Tam). The goals were threatened time after time with SFC defense winning the ball back high and feeding the midfield. Ellie Jones picked up the ball at the midway point of the Bridport half and sprinted towards the byline, leaving the defender for dead she looked up and thundered a shot high in the net just a few yards from the touchline. The young wingers were on fire and looking like they were enjoying themselves in this new look Shaftesbury team. Shaftesbury added two more quick goals from Ali as she grabbed a brace after a delightful weighted cross from Coaches Man of the match Sarah Evans "Skev". Nikki completed the rout to make it 6 with a lovely cool finish to grab her second for the season. Shaftesbury made a few substitutions to give substitutes Georgina "Gina G" and Izzy Thurston some useful minutes. Unfortunately for the ladies the elusive clean sheet was grabbed after an unfortunate own goal by skipper Alex Eastmond was headed in to her own net giving Lauren no chance.
A super performance was dedicated to the memory of Ray Humphries who sadly passed away on Friday. Ray was an incredible servant and community man to the people of Shaftesbury having being elected Mayor twice and being a figure head of Shaftesbury Town for many, many years. His friendly face will be missed by all that new him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his Family and friends - the Ladies did you proud today Ray, may you rest in peace.
Ali???? Casey?? Ellie?? Katie H?? Nikki?? Sarah (Scev) ?????? ?????? Tam???
Managers player: Scev Players player: Lauren + Ali
