Yeovil Town Ladies club captain Sarah Lawler continues her weekly column where she looks back on the last game, looks forward to the next one, talks generally about the club, and on other women’s football issues that are on her mind….
“Hi All,
“Well what a good result for both senior teams at the weekend girls... a real six pointer!
”Firstly the ladies first team completed the treble against Newquay this season, with a great 2-1 win. It was a tough game, but our patience paid off with two wonderful goals from Jemma Tewkesbury and a hard fought team performance to get the result, even when we are not on top of the game for 90 minutes.
”The reserves also got a three point result where it sounded like it could have been a goal fest. However we got the important win for the team to now build on and continue their run.
”This weekend the first team have to play an 'in form' Chesham United team who have had a great run in the league this season. For the game we really need to be motivated and up for a 90 minute gritty battle, where we concentrate on out strengths as a team and believe we can take the points. The disappointing thing is that we have to then play them AWAY the following week as originally this was a free week in the schedule. So now we play them back to back, which in any league is not ideal. For this reason we will realise the importance of a squad and the need of the full compliment of players. This well enable us to change the personnel based on their style of play and our availability of players due to
fitness/injury etc.
”From a work point of view, I would like any players aged between 16 and 21 years to contact me this week if they are interested in doing their FA Level 1 coaching course during the Easter half term (12th - 15th April from 9am-5pm each day in Street). The course is free as there is a course that the Somerset FA are running for young leaders looking to get into coaching. There is an application form to apply for a place that can be obtained from me, and all applications will be considered but not guaranteed as it is a countywide course that will have a lot of interest. Please get in touch in the next seven days if this interests you.
”I must remind Roxy (Sarah Roxburgh) that technically she does owe me a £5er as she said she would give me £5 if I touched the ball in my three minute appearance at the end of the game last Sunday. I have to point out that when the ball was out of play I touched it!! ... I don't think you will get away that easy Sarah Roxburgh : )
”Well done to the U12's this weekend as this is the only youth game I caught the result for, but they are doing well and keeping some good clean sheets too, which is great to see at their age. The committee have had a few meetings lately to strengthen links between the local Schools (Bucklers Mead) and Yeovil College, which went well and will hopefully lead to recruiting more players in the future, and supporting each others needs for the good of the game and community.
”Have a great week, and see you soon.
”Sar”
Sarah Lawler was talking to Ali King.
Monday 8th March 2010.
Glovers Do Treble Over Newquay To Go Fourth Yeovil Town Ladies: 2 Newquay Ladies: 1
OUCH!! - Terri Trowbride Receives treatment after a crunching tackle in this hard fought 2-1 Glovers victory
Yeovil Town Ladies made it three wins out of three this season over title rivals Newquay, with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Cornish side at Somerton on Sunday. Top scorer Jemma Tewkesbury continued her incredible scoring form this season by grabbing both goals for this vital win, as the Glovers moved up to fourth in the league.
With a lot at stake for both sides, the game got off to a fairly even start, both teams looking to get in some early attacks. Yeovil were not at their best though, and were having problems holding onto any sustained possession. Newquay for their part were in confident mood and doing their best to unsettle the Glovers, something that they were succeeding at, with the home side often at sixes and sevens. The Glovers were battling well in midfield, but were having little success in getting the ball to the forward areas, and with it, scoring opportunities were of the premium.
However, it was Yeovil who had the first chance on goal when they were awarded a free kick to the left of the box in the 16th minute. Tewkesbury launched the ball for goal from 20 yards and it avoided al the defenders brilliantly, but unfortunately it went just over the bar.
This inspired Yeovil, and they started to play more confidently, especially in midfield, where Kim Turner was winning a lot of balls, Lindsey Roe using her strength to beat the opposition and pass out to the flanks, where both Kayleigh Nardiello and Terri Trowbridge were working their socks off. Anusia Rourke was also working hard, and constantly beating her marker to create space for Jemma Tewkesbury.
The Cornish side were still on top, and on 17 minutes Vicky Barter received the ball 8 yards out to send in a great volley that went just over the bar, and three minutes later she received the ball again, this time12 yards out, and shot brilliantly for goal, but Rachel ‘Dodge’ Simkin in the Glovers goal was equal to it with a lovely save.
A real battle was ensuing in midfield, with Yeovil doing their best to take a grip on the game. Newquay responded with some quite physical play. Though not dirty or malicious, this tactic did send a number of the Yeovil girls flying as they went for attack.
Yeovil were fighting back well, and towards the end of the half they enjoyed more success in the final third. On 44 minutes Roe made a great run through midfield before sending a great ball to Nardiello to cross in for Rourke to go close, and then just before the half time whistle Turner received the ball 15 yards out for a great shot, but Carley Barker in the Newquay goal was on hand for a confident catch.
After an encouraging team talk from manager Steve Phelps, the Yeovil girls came out for the second period and immediately laid into the opposition. Within two minutes of the resumption they won a corner, which Tewkesbury curled in for Turner to head inches over the bar, and a minute later they won a free kick just outside the box. Tewkesbury again sent a good ball in, and Georgia Coles went incredibly close with a lovely header that went just wide of the far post.
The Glovers were on top, but Newquay were still playing a massive part, and on 54 minutes Barter got in on the act again with a cracker of a shot from the edge of the box, but Dodge showed her class with a lovely save.
You could almost sniff a Yeovil Town Ladies goal in the air, and when it finally came on 54 minutes, it was of supreme quality as Nardiello picked the ball up on the left for a superb run past half of the opposition defence. She took the ball right to the line and crossed it in brilliantly for Tewkesbury to bang it into the top of the net from 10 yards. It was a great goal, and one that Yeovil richly deserved after a great start to the new half.
Yeovil’s passing a movement was now top class, with Roe, Turner and Trowbridge controlling the midfield. Nardiello was seemingly making constant runs up the left flank, and with it, both Rourke and Tewkesbury were seeing a lot of the ball up front.
The defence were having a good game too, with Rachael Edwards and Karen Perkins commanding in the centre, and fullbacks Emma Brazell and Georgia Coles cutting out the wide threat, as well as getting forward to aid the attack. The inspiration was Dodge, and as the game went past the 60 minute mark she had to be on hand for a number of vital saves as Newquay fought back well, with Danni Salt, Sarah Mansfield, Kayleigh Lane and Vicky Barter all seeing plenty of the ball.
Yeovil were not about to give the game back to them, and on 69 minutes they could well have doubled their lead following a great 30 yard thumper from Roe. Unfortunately though, the ball came back off the cross bar, but only as far as Nardiello, who unluckily tipped it just over the bar.
Newquay now introduced two fresh legs in an attempt to get back into the game, one of whom was former Glover Sophie Currie for her first appearance against her old club since departing in the summer. Yeovil also now made their first change of the game, bringing on Stacey Pearson for Teri Trowbridge, who had taken a whack to the knee (And nose).
Newquay were hungry to get back into the match, and could well have equalised on 82 minutes, with a close range shot from Mansfield, but Brazell showed great reactions for Yeovil to clear brilliantly off the line.
The Glovers needed another goal, and it duly came on 87 minutes when Coles sent a wonderful ball from the left to Tewkesbury at the fat post to confidently bang in from a few yards out, her 33rd goal of the season.
Yeovil should now have cruised home to a comfortable victory, but Newquay had other ideas, and in the 88th minute substitute Dawna Dennett received the ball on the right of the box to fire under Dodge and into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
It was a nail biting seven minutes of time added on that Yeovil had to endure. A real battle took place in midfield as ever girl fought for every ball. During this time the Glovers lost both Coles and Rourke to injury, both Sarah Lawler and Sarah Roxburgh, and they played their part as Yeovil went on to take the points.
The Glovers will now play second place Chesham United twice in two weeks, home next week and away the Sunday after, in two encounters that could go along way to shaping the season for both teams.
To view the updated league table, please Click Here
Fixture Senior Additions
The South West Combination Women’s Football League have today announced that Yeovil Town Ladies will be playing Chesham United away from home on Sunday the 14th march 2010, following the original postponement from the 28th February. With the Buckinghamshire side due to visit Somerton this coming Sunday, the two teams are now due to play each other twice in two weeks, in what could prove vital fixtures for both.
To access the First Team fixture list, please Click Here
In other news, the South West Women’s League have announced some further fixtures for the Yeovil Town Ladies Reserves for both March and April. These can be found on the Reserve Team page. To go to this page please Click Here
Sunday 7th March 2010.
Victory Over Newquay
Yeovil Town Ladies reinforced their promotion winning credentials this afternoon as they made it three wins out of three over Newquay Ladies, with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the South West Combination league leaders at Somerton. All the goals come in the second half, with Jemma Tewkesbury grabbed both for the Glovers, and Dawna Dennett coming back to score for Newquay for what in the end proved to be just a consolation goal.
The full match report will be posted on Monday.
In all round good afternoon for the club, the Reserve team also came out on top, beating Totnes & Dartington 3-0 away from home. Kia Bowles grabbed a brace, with Becky Yeo continuing her great scoring form of late by getting the other.
The match report for this will follow early in the week.
Friday 5th March 2010.
Another Dodgy Week!!
Yeovil Town Ladies extravert goalkeeper Rachel “Dodge” Simkin continues her column where she talks about the week that was, and looks forward to the next match – all in her own unique way…
NO GAME AGAIN!!!
”Once again the match at the weekend was off due to terrible weather. If it continues, were not gunna finish the season just before Christmas!! I’m not gunna lie, it is becoming most frustrating. And after preparing for the big game I was most disheartened to hear it was off! It’s also come to my attention that we have not competed in a league game since October! Also the reserves were unfortunate as well as their game was also postponed due to the bad weather!! Oh well with the sun shining most of the week its looking good for this Sunday.
Congratulations to the youth games who played at the weekend, all managing to record themselves a win which is fantastic girls - keep up the good work!!
”I'm now gunna take the time to tell ya about my fun filled weekend. It started out as a typical Friday, with work and once 4 o'clock hit it was time to party!! It started with a two hour drive to Bristol to meet up with friends Corinne, Lux and Stace!! We had decided earlier on in the week that I would drive, and we would go for a sophisticated meal and bowling. However, once the drinking games started I was no longer driving, and it was clear that this evening was no longer going to be sophisticated!! We arrived in town and slowly took over
the club, which was quite quiet, which was probably a good thing as the dancing soon began. I ended up in a dance of which I must say was rather entertaining for everyone who was in there!! ha ha!! The night ended with a walk as someone wouldn’t stop eating pizza in the taxi - not naming names!! Stace had pizza for her tea!! ha ha ha!!
”Saturday started a little fuzzy, but I seem to remember pink pawed pj's?? Stace any ideas?? As we headed into town for a little haircut where the entertainment was on, the pronunciation of the word ‘finish’ for those of you not there, I suggest speak to Lux!! After this we headed over to Cribbs for a spot of shopping. Then returned home for a quiet evening of chicken pasta, films and games.
”Sunday was free once again, and in a way I was a little thankful as Man United were playing in the Carling Cup final. Rach and Sarah decided to join us in Bristol after yet more money spending in Cribbs. We then ventured to the pub where we watched the mighty Man United triumph, and lift the first bit of silverware this season!! More to come no doubt!! The game ended, and then we let the games begin with killer pool, which I must say if I remember rightly Stace won. Good work Stace!! Hunger began to set in so back we went to Stace's for Chinese and some dancing on ice. The evening was finished of with the most entertaining game of ‘Articulate’ I have ever seen or played in. Lux, Rach and I were one team, while Danni, Stace and Sarah made up the other. I unfortunately was incapable of describing an answer simply, which caused tears of laughter for all. I wanna hear more - just ask me to describe Rome.. and speak to Lux about the latest bank DING...and Bingley!! Following on from that there was the confusion between Asia and India from Rach's description. Safe to say my team were the winners *cough cough*!! Let’s just say for every step forward we took their team took five!!
”I Hope you all had as much fun as we did on ya days of!!
”Anyway, back to normality, well as close as it will get from me anyway!! We have Newquay at home this week, and it’s a massive game for us. This season its two wins out of two so far against them, and we would all love it to be three wins out of three on Sunday, but we know its going to be far from easy. So let’s get ready girls for a battle on Sunday and hopefully we can come away with yet another three points.
I hope you're all ok, and had a good week!! Take care, and ill see ya Sunday!!
Dodge x
Dodge was talking to Ali King.
Thursday 4th March 2010.
Barker Inspires Thirteen’s To Frome Victory Frome Town U13: 0 Yeovil Town U13: 1
INSPIRED: Another impressive victory for the girls
Alisha Barker put in a great performance to inspire the Yeovil Town ladies Under-Thirteen team to victory over bottom placed Frome Town Robins on Saturday, as they continued their five game unbeaten run, so keeping their hopes alive in keeping pace with leaders Wells City. Barker was a massive influence in most of the attacks and it was her who set up Evie King for the all important winning goal.
Manager Michelle Yeowell has got her team playing some great football, and Saturday was a continuation of this impressive form, despite a last minute change of venue.
“Due to the amount rain the previous week the game was played at Frome instead of Tintinhull,” She explained. “This in turn will mean that next weeks game against Frome will now be played at home.
”Yeovil started the game the same way they finished last week’s at Mendip, with some great attacking play. Alisha barker was in great form and was putting plenty of pressure on the Frome goalkeeper throughout the game. We had most of the possession, but were unable to capitalise on it, and were denied on a number of occasions with some very good saves from the Frome Goalkeeper.
”The conditions were not great with heavy rain falling during the whole game, but the girls stuck with it, and ten minutes from the end Alisha Barker struck a good shot at goal. The goalkeeper saved well, but palmed the ball into the feet of Evie King, who placed the ball in the back of the net.
”With ten minutes left Frome were still putting pressure on us to equalise, but a man of the match performance by Adele Watts in defence kept use in control until the end to win the match.”
Report by Michelle Yeowell and Ali King
Twelve’s Continue Winning Run Bishops Lydeard U12: 0 Yeovil Town U12: 2
The Yeovil Town Ladies Under-Twelve team finished a successful February of make it three wins out of three for the month as the disposed of a strong Bishops Lydeard side, beating them by 2-0, so keeping up the pressure on league leaders Wells City.
Taking up the story of the game, manager Clive Watts described a great display of football.
“In a pulsating game at the top end of the table, Yeovil kept their hopes of finishing second alive with a fantastic win at high flying Bishops Lydeard, who had only previously been beaten once this season.
“Yeovil were quickly out of the blocks, pressing Lydeard and having the better of the early exchanges. We took the lead after 10 minutes, when a Lydeard goal kick went straight to Lizzie Harrison who went through the defence to coolly slot home. This spurred the opposition, who forced a couple of great saves from Shannon Watts. The remainder of the half was a fiercely contested affair, between two sides who battled hard, with no holding back, yet playing with great spirit and fairness. Half time 1-0.
CONSISTANT: The victories our of three for the month
“The second half began with Lydeard on the attack, requiring our whole team to defend superbly as a unit. After around 10 minutes we again got hold of the game, creating some good chances of our own. With about 10 minutes left, the game was put beyond doubt when Eva Smith fed a ball through the opposition defence, the keeper fumbled and Lily Limmer tapped home.
“The final exchanges were evenly spread, with both keepers being busy, but Yeovil’s strong defence ensured our third consecutive clean sheet.
“Special mention goes to the whole team for a superb work ethic and team spirit, as well as playing some excellent football against a very good side.
Player of the match: - The Whole Team!
Report by Clive Watts and Ali King
Tens Bang In Eight To Go Top! Yeovil Town Ladies U10: 8 Bishops Lydeard U10: 0
RIDING HIGH: A wonderful eight goals send the girls racing to the top!
The Yeovil Town Ladies under-Ten team continued their winning start to the season with a dramatic 8-0 victory over Taunton side Bishops Lydeard U10's at Tintinhull on Saturday. Shakira Howard grabbed a hat trick, and there was a brace from Leonie Hobbs, with further goals from Freya Light, Francesca Greed and Sophie Phillips the Glovers raced to the top of the league.
Managers Mark and Hilary Howard were delighted with the performance and result, and Hilary takes up the story of the game.
“After several minutes the game started to get going with Leonie Hobbs scoring in the 14th and 15th minutes, catching the Bishop's defence out.” She said. “Keeping the pace up, Freya Light followed with a goal in the 17th minute from a good pass from Darcey Mann from Midfield, with Francesca Greed smashing home the 4th for Yeovil Town in the 18th. With continued good defending at the back from Bethany (Bobbie) Jones and Lucy Johnson, Zoe Pilton, the goalie, pulled off a few good saves to keep the score at 4-0 to our girls. After some good moves and passes by the
girls, Shakira Howard scored in the 21st minute, ending the scoring for the first half at 5-0.
“The second half started well with Shakira Howard scoring her second in the 27th minute, keeping the pressure up against bishops in the 38th minute. Shakira Howard hit the post and grabbed her third of the match from the rebound after a good ball from Sophie Phillips. Sophie Phillips then went on a run beating the defence to take a goal in the 45th minute of the match.
“All girls played extremely well resulting in an 8-0 win. Well played all!”
Report by Hilary Howard and Ali King
Wednesday 3rd March 2010.
Captain's Log
Yeovil Town Ladies club captain Sarah Lawler continues her weekly column where she looks back on the last game, looks forward to the next one, talks generally about the club, and on other women’s football issues that are on her mind….
“Hi All,
”Another bad weekend of weather has frustrated the youth and senior sections of the club, but we should be on for this weekend with a host of fixtures for all our teams. Well done to the U10’s and U13’s who managed to get their games played and won too. This Sunday’s Independent featured a team photo of the First team and reported our result from the FA Cup game, so we are still seeing promotion of the success of the club filter through.
BRING ON THE ‘GREEN ARMY’ OF SUPPORTERS
”The next two weeks for the first team will be tough as we have two home games on the trot with Newquay this Sunday and Chesham on the following Sunday. For these games we need as much support on the sidelines as possible as these are massive games for us as these two teams are also in the run for promotion. The Newquay game will always be a tough battle, but the girls have the confidence of beating them twice already this season (cup and league), and although the games have been close we have played the better football.
”The Reserves have Totnes and Dartington this weekend which should be a good game, and hopefully they can continue their run as they beat them at home 4-1 this season already. It
is really good to see Becky Yeo settling in and scoring regularly to give her confidence, and with a name like YEO she was always destined to play for our club!!
”If you haven’t seen the photos from the Frome game, Sophie Elbourn took 270 odd photos, and number 166 shows a little celebration dance we have been practicing the last two weeks in training… loving the river dance Jem and Dodge you are LORD of the dance by the sounds of your dance offs… ‘Lord’ of some sort anyway!
