22nd October 2022
Cirencester [1-1] Bristol & West Jaspers
Report by: Andrea Brown
The ladies 1st XI headed into the match on Saturday looking to make it 4 wins out of 4 against a Cirencester side, who, despite a patchy start this season, are well established in the league.
It’s always a fiery fixture and the same was expected this time round. Cirencester came out the blocks strong putting the Jaspers defence under some intense pressure in the first 10 minutes. The first defensive short corner of the match inevitably arrived with some fine footwork by Mich that Laura would have been pleased with! Despite disguising the pain well, it didn’t go unnoticed by the umpire. The defence held strong and cleared the danger.
Jaspers began to get themselves into the match, some strong running up front was starting to pay off and Jaspers were looking more dangerous. Cirencester’s quick start was taking its toll on them with them having no subs to call upon. Jaspers were beginning to carve out opportunities of their own and they thought they’d scored the first goal of the match. Foul in the ‘D’, advantage played, the ball dropped to Claudia who found the bottom left corner just as the umpire signalled for a short corner! Despite the disappointment, Jaspers kept on pressing and carving out opportunities but it was Cirencester who took the lead just before half time. Breaking down the right from a Jaspers attack, ball across the D for one of their forwards to knock in.
Jaspers went into the break needing to regroup and come out fighting to overturn the deficit. The ‘agricultural’ nature of the play continued in the second half. A few strong battles across the pitch and a warning from the umpire for a muttered ‘C’ bomb saw the game heating up!
Cirencester continued to put the Jaspers defence under pressure but they were going to need to produce something more if they were going to score again. Jaspers were patiently waiting for their opportunity, edging closer to that equalising goal. Cirencester were trying to take the sting out of the game, taking as long as they could for any injury but Jaspers kept going and got the goal they deserved. Ball across from Toni, dispatched into the back of the net by Annie.
A final push from Jaspers couldn’t quite deliver a winner but the B&WJ ladies 1’s continue their unbeaten run and will look to get back to winning ways with a home fixture against Gloucester 3’s up next.
Goals: Annie Clay
POM: Andrea Brown