Our Women’s Under-19s suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Bridgwater United in the first round of the FA Women’s National League Cup on Sunday.
With a particularly young side having made the long trip to Somerset to take on the senior FAWNL Division One South West outfit, we found ourselves 3-0 down by half-time.
In a second half disrupted by stoppages in play and thick fog enveloping the ground, we fell further behind on the hour mark before Grace Bellwood netted a late consolation from the penalty spot.
It was a stern test for our youngsters against an older, in-form team at the Ethan Berry Pavilion – even without the added factor of the elements – but a useful challenge nevertheless.
Bridgwater started well and after a string of saves from Sophie Jackson, our resistance was finally breached on 18 minutes by Ellie Strippel.
Rania Oukriss tested Jasmine Read at the other end but a brace from Beatriz Kretteis had the home side firmly in control at the break.
Meg Jarvis made it 4-0 on the hour mark but with the fog descending rapidly we battled on valiantly despite the poor visibility, with Bellwood converting from the spot in the 87th minute to round off the scoring.