The first game of 2018 bought with it three points for FGR Ladies’ first team last Sunday.

Goals from debutant Lucy Herbert and Issy Newns secured the 2-0 victory against Middlezoy.

Starting strongly, FGR ladies were quick to test the Middlezoy midfield and defence. Quick passing from Annie Martin saw Kayla Garland cross into the box from the left for Marika Niekowalto be denied by the Middlezoy keeper.

Libby Timney and Herbert worked hard in the midfield to keep feeding the FGR forwards but a break by Middlezoy saw the FGR backline of Leanna Parry, Georgina Macey and Ashleigh Watson stand firm resulting in a Middlezoy corner.

With FGR in control moving up the pitch, it took until the 22nd minute before the breakthrough came when Annie Martin slotted the ball through to a well-positioned Herbert in the box who confidently put it past the Middlezoy keeper.

The rest of the first half saw FGR look to increase their advantage with some excellent runs down the right by Holly Thomas and probing runs from Newns but were kept at bay by a busy Middlezoy keeper.

With the wind behind them in the second half, FGR carried on as they had been in the first.

Middlezoy tested the FGR defence on numerous occasions, once again solid teamwork prevailing with replacement stopper Becca Woods, also making her debut, vocal and confident in goal.

In the 68th minute, a scramble in the Middlezoy goal-mouth saw the ball half cleared, only to be driven back in and Newns was on hand to double the hosts’ advantage.

Middlezoy were forced to see out the remainder of the game with 10 players through injury a few minutes later as Rovers were able to keep their opposition pinned down in their own half and saw the game to a comfortable conclusion.

FGR Ladies will now travel away to Exeter this weekend while the development team, who didn’t play at the weekend, play Cotswolds Rangers at home in Nailsworth