City Women shock league leaders Mangotsfield, Devs through in cup

Bath City Women caused a big shock in the Shield Services Group South West Regional Women’s League when they beat hosts Mangotsfield United Women on Sunday 25th January.

Bath City Women produced a stunning 3-1 victory here at Mangotsfield United Women on Sunday 25th January, the result ensuring the home side lost the league leadership | Photo © Richard Briggs

The Mangos went into the encounter in pole position in Division One North, having lost only once in 11 matches.

But the Romans gained revenge for their October home defeat by the South Gloucestershire team by chalking up a superb 3-1 success at The Paul Sellick Brickwork Stadium.

The result cost United the league leadership. They were displaced by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies, who took over at the top of the pile on goal-difference thanks to an 8-0 drubbing of AFC Brislington Ladies.

And the North Wiltshire club keep two games in hand on second-placed Mangotsfield, who have Corsham Town snapping at their heels in third spot.

Although City are in seventh place in the 12-team division, they are only six points adrift of Bassett but have played one game more.

Maddy Brown (2) and Erin Duffy struck for Bath in a match that was level at 1-1 at half-time.

Playing for the first time since they won 3-0 at Gloucester City Women Reserves in the league on Sunday 14th December, the Romans took the lead in the 11th minute at the Cossham Street venue – from their first serious opening of the afternoon.

Jasmine Rennie pushed the ball to Brown who pulled away from two defenders and fired past Mangotsfield keeper Amelia Morrish.

And Rennie almost made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, only to shoot narrowly wide after dispossessing a home player.

But United were back on terms in the 17th minute with a cracking goal from Adele Elliott.

Elliott received the ball from a throw, shook off the attentions of Rosie Burridge and drilled into the top-left corner of the net from 18 yards. However, Bath custodian Lucy Clay was not far from saving.

Then a great challenge by Abby Gray prevented Elliott going through for what would surely have been a certain goal.

But the guests could have regained the advantage shortly before half-time, Duffy sending a free-kick over the bar.

However, Bath did get back in front three minutes into the second period. A fine crossfield ball from Bex Fry set up Duffy to hammer home from inside the box.

Substitute Adella Clarke and Fry went close to extending the advantage but Clay had to save smartly from Elliott as the Mangos looked for an equaliser.

Bath gaffer Matt Abreu then gave a debut from the bench to summer signing Clodagh Moran, the striker who also came on as a substitute three times for Racing FC Union Luxembourg in UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

And the 20-year-old from Ireland provided an assist for the Romans’ third goal, setting up Brown to complete her brace with a curling shot.

Sensing three points, Bath raised their game and almost netted again, Clarke letting fly but sending the ball too near Morrish.

Mangotsfield’s only significant chance of the second period came from Hollie Shone, whose long-range drive went inches over Clay’s bar.

United felt that in a high-quality encounter, they had the better of the first half but City were on top after the break and were the more clinical side in front of goal.

Bath starting XI: Lucy Clay, Phoebe Walls, Bex Fry, Abby Gray, Tara Taylor, Maddy Brown, Jasmine Rennie, Rosie Burridge, Erin Duffy, Sophie Storey, Emma Vilday.

The Romans’ next assignment is a tough test away to Whitchurch Ladies, who occupy fourth place in Division One North. The Sunday 1st February match, in Divisional Cup Round 2, will kick-off at 2pm.

Bath City Women Development marched into Somerset County Women’s League Chairman’s Cup Round 2 without kicking a ball.

The Romans were due to visit Weston Celtic Women in the opening stage on Sunday 25th January – but the North Somerset outfit conceded the tie.

Bath are mid-table in Division One, whereas Celtic are third-bottom of Division Three North.

The Devs, who have played only twice since mid-November, are due back in league action on Sunday 1st February when they host Yeovil-based Pen Mill Ladies at Peasedown St John Recreation Ground (2pm).

Odd Down Women had no scheduled match on Sunday 25th January but are set to receive Ashton Women on Sunday 1st February in a Somerset County Women’s League Division Two top-of-the-table clash.

The Down lead the way with 25 points from 10 matches, having suffered only one defeat, and Bristol-based Ashton are second, with 22 points from 11 outings.

Kick-off at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground will be at 2pm.