Nailsea 1 Old Bristolians 2nds 2

Nailsea gave Old Bristolians a shock. Lying top of the table and a single goal against them, OBs found themselves confronted by a determined, structured side in Nailsea.

An opening threat down the left by Bernie Forge took Nailsea into the D and a real possibility of taking the lead within minutes, however, a stunned OBs defence got a stick on the ball and managed to clear the danger.

Minutes later roles were reversed and Nailsea found themselves facing a penalty corner. OBs played the ball around the D before taking a firm strike which brought out the first of many fine saves by keeper Katie Matthews.

Good interplay in midfield between Hannah Lacey and Amy Ashley saw a series of promising attacks, a solo run by Cath Hole and strong strike by Hannah went inches wide. Nailsea pressure forced another penalty corner but the OBs defence and keeper kept the Nailsea forwards at bay.

A quick turn over and Nailsea were the ones under pressure and a goal down as OBs found an opening. The closing minutes of the half were keenly fought out with Katie being called on to make a strong kicking clearance of the line.

OBs started the second half on attack with Katie again coming to Nailsea’s aid with a goal saving clearance. This kicked Nailsea back into action with a series of attacking moves causing OBs to lose some of their shape at the back.

Again Cath, Hannah and Bernie were within inches of levelling the score, but they did when a powerful run by Hannah, shrugging off a couple of defenders on the way before putting in a cross, saw Bernie strike home. Nailsea’s euphoria was short lived as ten minutes later OBs again took the lead following a defensive error.

Now on the up OBs were looking to add to their total, but composure and team work frustrated the visitors. Katie’s fantastic reflex stick save at waist high and a shot glancing off her helmet were instrumental in keeping Nailsea in contention until the final whistle.

Clevedon 4 Nailsea 2nds 1

Nailsea were under pressure from the start and keeper Chloe Taylor was brought into the action early.

Although they worked hard and put in a great effort Nailsea struggled to find shape. Just as they seemed to get a hold on the game, the captain had to be supported off the field and this seemed to disrupt their play once again.

Despite this the game was end to end with neither side managing to take control of the game, until with 15 minutes left of the half and despite Chloe being at full stretch, Clevedon managed to take the lead.

Clevedon continued to pressurise and the Nailsea defence had to stay strong to combat their attack. Clevedon claimed a second goal before Emma Hill made a determined run into the D where Abi Smith converted a cross to pull one back for the visitors.

In midfield Ellie and Paige Richardson and player of the match Rachel Elliot, made every effort to command the centre of the pitch.

Nailsea kept their heads and stayed focused but tiredness meant small errors gave Clevedon a window to add two more goals. A disappointing score line for Nailsea in a hard fought game.