Gloucester City Women Reserves disjointed but make it three wins from three with victory over Southmead
Gloucester City Women Reserves made it three wins in their first three games of the season, although were made to work for their 4-1 victory over Southmead Ladies.
After Chloe Day’s early opener, City created chances in the first half, but were wasteful in the final third up until the break.
Dara Austin capitalised on a mistake at the back to level after half time, before substitute Hollie Handisides restored the hosts advantage.
Nicole Lewis grabbed a crucial third goal with just under 20 minutes left on the clock, before Ellie Briscoe added a fourth to give the scoreline a more comfortable look in the end.
The result sees City keep up with Forest Green Rovers Development, with both sides boasting a 100% record in the GCWFL Division Two table, whilst Southmead can take positives from the game and have two wins in their other league outings so far.
The game itself started with both sides winning corners, but it was City who struck first when Zoe Gabb worked space in the box and after a sliding tackle from a recovering defender, the ball fell for Chloe Day to fire home the opener.
Gabb and Mirry Smith tried their luck from range, but saw their efforts kept out by Southmead keeper Leah Atwill-Tutton, who had a great performance.
Atwill-Tutton produced further saves from Lewis and Zoe Gabb, as the hosts pushed for a second.
Chloe Williams whipped a free kick over for Southmead, as they looked to stuck at their task and take their opportunities when they came.
Atwill-Tutton palmed a free kick over from Zoe Gabb, before Mirry Smith rattled the crossbar from about 40 yards – with Atwill-Tutton saving the follow up from Chloe Day.
Atwill;-Tutton kept out Lewis in the one on one again after half time, before Southmead took their big chance.
After stand-in keeper Kate Ambrey’s pass to Rubie Leeman brought a poor first touch from the defender, Dara Austin was on hand to slot home to level the score.
But credit to City, they reacted well and took their lead back instantly.
Nicole Lewis’ slipped in Ellie Briscoe down the right and her through ball saw Hollie Handisides round Atwill-Tutton and she slotted home.
Southmead nearly levelled again though, but after Austin went down in the box, the ball was only scuffed towards goal and Ambrey saved easily.
Ambrey didn’t have to make too many strenuous saves, but was kept busy with a number of free kicks and crosses into the City box.
Claire Gabb, in particular, did well to limit Southmead to set pieces and long range efforts as the second half wore on.
Lauren Cox sent in a long range free kick that Ambrey turned round for a corner as the visitors pressed for a leveller.
And after seeing out the Southmead onslaught, Mirry Smith’s header was glanced home by Lewis, who beat Atwill-Hutton to the cross and nodded home.
With that, the game slowly drifted away from Southmead and City secured their points when Mirry Smith played in Ellie Briscoe with one minute of normal time remaining.
The former Forest Green forward rounded Atwill-Hutton and tapped into the empty net to seal the deal for City Reserves.
Next up for City Reserves is a with North Bristol Wanderers Women – which is set to be switched to an away game due to the Manchester United Legends game at the TigerTurf Stadium next weekend, whilst Southmead will welcome Mangotsfield United Women Reserves the same afternoon.
Gloucester City Women Reserves: Ambrey, Sterry, C Gabb, Leeman, Bury, Feighery, Smith, Briscoe, Chloe Day, Lewis, Z Gabb
Subs: Chelsea Day, Tandy, Morgan, Handisides
Southmead CS Ladies: L Atwill-Tutton, Smith, Aldaco, Quinn, A Atwill-Tutton, Stone, Williams, Cox, Austin, Reed, Sawyer
Subs: Cervantes, Shipway, Mclellan
C Martin Roofing Player of the Match – Claire Gabb (Gloucester City Women Reserves)
