Close encounter goes to Flyers
Alton FC Women 1 Winchester City Flyers Res 2
Winchester City Flyers Reserves and Alton began their Hampshire County League Division One campaigns with a hard fought contest which went in favour of the visitors by two goals to one.
After an early exchange of goals, he match settled into an even contest where both defences worked very well to blunt the attacking threat of the opposition.
Alton took the lead on five minutes with a well placed shot by Jodie Clinkard past Shannon White from the edge of the area. Flyers were level within three minutes with an equally impressive goal, scored by Isla Ripley after a well constructed move on the counter.
Any notion of a goal laden encounter in drizzly gloom were soon dispelled as both defences were in mean mood to shut down the threats posed. Both teams had spells where they dominated but neither keeper was unduly tested.
Changes in personnel made little difference to the nature of the contest with players fully committed and frequent injury stoppages. It took an unusual 77th minute goal to decide the outcome. A looping lofted effort on goal turned out to be perfectly placed as sub Sophie Brush gave Flyers an advantage soon after coming on.
Alton poured forward and had a golden opportunity to level up in the final minutes via a penalty. However keeper White was equal to the task, diving to her left to hold on to the spot kick and preserve a first win for her team.
Both sides can take plenty of positives into the season, with lots of effort and commitment all over the pitch and plenty of attacking intent allied to strong defence on both sides
Alton FC Women: Connie Nicolle, Cara Gittins, Charlotte Coles, Isabella Govinden, Jordan Thompson, Daniella Mitchell, Lucy Taylor-
Winchester City Flyers Res: Shannon White, Ava Armstrong, Jennifer Arundell, Hannah Earwicker, Mia Freemantle, Harriet Kneller, Elly-
