South East Counties Womens Football League - 2nd Rnd League Cup
HEATH BEAT ANOTHER PREMIER DIV SIDE
HEATH ONLY DIV1[W] SIDE REMAINING IN LEAGUE CUP
Haywards Heath Town 3 (Fran Pritlove 2, Jo Ashworth ) Bexhill 2 - 6th Jan 2008
Having beaten Premier Div side Petts Wood in the previous round Div 1 side Heath returned to action after the Christmas and New Year break, determined to impress against Premier league side Bexhill in this second round league cup match.
Heath started well and once they had settled took the game to the visitors. Heath found plenty of space especially on the right where Fran Pritlove was taking advantage with some excellent crosses into the box. Heath went ahead when Pritlove broke free following a pass from Jo Ashworth and hit a superb shot over the keeper after just 10 mins. Bexhill where visibly shaken and Heath continued to move forward quickly when Jo Ashworth from a through ball from Mel Bramley took the ball on the turn and hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Heath however were caught just before half time when Bexhill reduced the arrears, keeper Rachel Virgo losing her footing in the muddy goalmouth.
The second half continued at pace with both sides attacking in earnest. Heath's defence of Eve Todhunter, Debbie Johnson, Julie Hawthorne and Michelle Winnard however were holding firm and were well covered by goalkeeper Virgo who made some outstanding saves. The tireless running of Ashworth and player of the match, Bramley continually caused problems for the Bexhill defence and eventually the ball fell to Pritlove who coolly shot over the keeper for Heath's third with 5 mins remaining . There was still drama however when Bexhill reduced the arrears with two minutes to go with an excellent individual goal. Heath though, held on for a superb victory and although everyone played their part, special mention must go to Michelle Winnard and Pritlove who were outstanding.
Team: Rachel Virgo; Michelle Winnard; Debbie Johnson; Julie Hawthorne (Capt); Eve Todhunter; Fran Pritlove; Cath Diffey (Caz Walters 75 mins); Lou Creasey; Mica Saunders; Jo Ashworth; Mel Bramley. Sub not used: Karen Bridgewater.
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