Depleted side has no chance (From Stroud News and Journal)

Depleted side has no chance

Lansdown 3rds 5, Painswick Ladies 0

PAINSWICK again managed to field only nine players for this league clash at Lansdown and although they kept up their spirits the disadvantage told in a decisive defeat. The game started evenly enough until after 10 minutes, Lansdown began to seek out the gaps in Painswicks defence, although Sharon Gillson and Sarah Vocking defended well to keep the home side at bay.

Painswick sought out chances on the right wing with excellent short passing between Gillson, Lisa Bircher and Nicky Keating but due to the shortage of players, their efforts were frustrated by a tight Lansdown defence.

On a quick break, Lansdown headed for Painswicks goal at top speed, leaving Gillson Vocking and Emma Watkins to face the onslaught and an untidy shot at goal saw the ball evade the keeper and gently cross the line.

Undeterred, Painswick showed great determination that gave Lansdown the feel of playing a full side. Sophie Hinds began to settle into the unfamiliar role of keeper making some excellent saves and giving Painswick plenty of encouragement to increase their efforts, but despite having to do some defending, Lansdown achieved a second goal before half time.

The second half began promisingly with Painswick having several chances at goal. An excellent cross into the goal area left Painswick looking certain to score, but the pace of the ball gave Maggie Morse little time to convert and the opportunity went begging.

Lansdown looked uncomfortable with this near miss and became even more determined to offer Painswick any further openings and eventualloy they began to pile more pressure on the visiting defence.

Painswicks tactics left Emma Watkins marking a dominant Lansdown player right out of the second half, thus allowing Vocking, Gillson and Hinds to concentrate on blocking constant shots on goal.

However, a late flurry of goals saw Lansdown seal a facile win. Painswicks player of the match was Lisa Bircher.