Bretforton Ladies 2, Lydney 3

SATURDAY’S was easily Bretforton’s worst performance in the premiership this season, proving that –- as usual - a two-week break is actually detrimental to the squad!

Lydney, however, were sharp and enthusiastic and could have taken an early lead.

They did manage to break the stalemate in the first half from a fiercely struck penalty corner - the first goal the hosts had conceded from a penalty corner set play in at least ten games.

Things went from bad to worse for the Vale side in the opening minutes of the second half when a Lydney player was allowed time and space to deftly put the ball into the back of the net with a rasping reverse stick strike.

And a third goal from the Forest girls left Bretforton staring down the barrel but they finally started to get their game together.

Becky Mawby picked the ball up on the 25-yard line, ran through the defence and scored a cracking goal.

With player of the match and skipper Lisa Workman trying to push her team on, Hayley Whitehouse made a great run and slipped the ball though to Sarah Benfield whose reverse stick strike found the back of the net.

Unfortunately, time ran out and Lydney were worthy winners leaving the Bretforton girls to pick themselves up and go to Chippenham this weekend with a more positive outlook.

The match ball was kindly sponsored by Clarke and Cross Builders.