WEYMOUTH LADIES 1 PLYMOUTH LADIES 0 ELOISE Adams saved a late spot-kick as Weymouth produced a magnificent performance at Redlands to edge a pulsating match against last season’s runners-up Marine Academy Plymouth.
The home side suffered a blow on the morning of the South West Premier League clash when inspirational left-sided star Bryony Webb was ruled out with a foot injury but they did welcome back top-scorer and Chelsea striker Philippa Holden.
The pitch was in beautiful condition and this enabled Weymouth to dominate the opening exchanges as they quickly got their passing game going.
Skipper Rosie Sharpe, Amy Douch and Bianca Randall were excelling in the centre of midfield and dominating Plymouth’s most dangerous player Sam Drewery, who has always caused Weymouth problems in the past.
The front two of Holden and young Rhiannon Cowan, who was making her season’s debut in the first team, were also linking up really well and looked a constant threat with their pace and movement.
Chances then soon started to come with Douch, Cowan, Randall and Sophie Ramsbottom all going close before Emma Acott swivelled in the box on 25 minutes and fired the hosts ahead.
That setback spurred Plymouth into action with Drewery beginning to exert her influence but Wey-mouth’s defence stood strong to preserve their lead until the break.
The visitors then came out fired up in the second half but found Adams in tremendous form with her exemplary handling helping to calm the pressure on several occasions.
Cowan, Acott and Holden then all went close at the other end before Sharpe was judged to have hauled down a Plymouth player just inside the box.
Drewery stepped up to the spot but her well struck effort was saved superbly by Adams to the jubilation of her team-mates.
The final whistle then sounded two minutes later as Weymouth celebrated another vital three points.
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