WEYMOUTH LADIES 2

POOLE TOWN LADIES 0

WEYMOUTH lifted the Dorset Women’s County Cup when they defeated fellow South West League side Poole Town 2-0 at the County Ground, Hamworthy.

The Terras went into the match expecting a tough encounter as they sought to lift the prestigious trophy for the fourth time in their short history.

With a full- strength squad to choose from Weymouth started brightly and went in front with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

After a fine passing move, Amy Douch was found on the left side of the Poole penalty area.

She beat a defender before hitting a fantastic looping shot into the top corner of the net from 25 yards, leaving Tash Haysom in the Poole goal with no chance.

This settled Weymouth down and on a difficult, bumpy pitch they tried their hardest to play football, whereas Poole favoured the more direct approach.

Emma Acott, Philippa Holden and Sophie Ramsbottom all had chances to double the lead as Weymouth took the game to their opponents.

Every time the Dolphins attacked they found the Weymouth back three of Samantha Johnson, Stacey Bray and skipper Jess Turk in superlative form.

This provided a great basis and Weymouth were winning the battle in central midfield battle thanks to the efforts of Rosie Sharpe, Georgia Rogers and Douch, who all played impressively.

The half-time whistle sounded with Weymouth well on top and the half-time talk centred on getting the all- important second goal.

The Terras started the second period on top and they got what they wanted on the hour when a great passing move saw the ball fall at the feet of the impressive Acott and she made no mistake from 12 yards to put her side 2-0 up.

Weymouth lost the influential Ellen Tilsed with a groin injury soon after and she was replaced by Zoe Acutt.

In fairness to Poole they kept going and Weymouth had their one and only scare with 20 minutes left when, from a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, keeper Eloise Adams showed great hands to keep out a Bev Symes effort.

Weymouth brought on under-16 players Emma Garland and Harriet Freeman to give them experience of the big occasion that will stand them in good stead for the future.

Manager Tim Davis said: “The girls thoroughly deserved their victory and it was a very professional performance.

“We weren’t at our very best but that could be expected considering we had such a long lay-off prior to this match.

“Full credit to Poole who were worthy opponents but it is great to have yet another trophy to add to those we have accumulated over the past five seasons.”