Mudford stops the students

Beaminster 3: Bristol University 2

A SUPERB team performance saw Beaminster move up to fourth in the table.

The home side struck early in the third minute, scoring an excellent goal that sent Bristol into a turmoil.

Claire Mudford sped down the wing and provided a fine pass for Andrea Prentice, who brushed aside her marker to sweep in a perfect goal.

Bristol fought back and took the pace up a gear but fine keeping by Carrie Wallace and a goalline clearance from sweeper Emma Gardiner kept the home side in front at halftime.

Beaminster continued to dominate after the break. Julia Broom, Nicky Wright and Mudford took charge in midfield but it was an unexpected turn of play that led to Bristol equalising with a quick break.

Strikers Claire Williams and Emma Davis got fired up to put Beaminster back in the lead.

Gill Barr drove down the middle and passed to Davis, whose strong shot was blocked by the keeper.

Emily Bloxham then made her mark, striking with a force that left the keeper with no chance.

Bristol came back fighting again, forcing plenty of corners but defenders Tracey Smith, Jess Lambert and Ruth David held steady, denying the young, fit side any opportunities.

So it was against the run of play that the university side levelled again after a fine display of passing.

In the 65th minute a short corner came good when Bloxham's shot was slotted in by Mudford. Broom was voted player of the match.

Beaminster: Gardiner, David, Barr, Smith, Broom, Wright, Mudford, Williams, Bloxham, Prentice. Rolling subs: Lambert, Davis. Umpires: John Broom, Margaret Martin. n Beaminster are away to White Eagles in a friendly tomorrow. The 2nd XI are at home to Weymouth in the league. Friendly