Match-Winner Natasha Knapman insists Yeovil’s FA WSL2 promotion push is well and truly alive and kicking after her goal saw off the challenge of Durham at New Ferens Park.
The striker grabbed the only goal of the game just before half-time, expertly lifting the ball over the onrushing Helen Alderson in the Durham goal.
It proved enough to stretch Yeovil’s unbeaten league run to five games and Knapman admits the third-placed Lady Glovers have Doncaster Rovers Belles and Reading firmly in their sights.
“The three points were massive,” she said. “We’re still third in the league, so we’ve got to keep the pressure on the top two, Donnie and Reading. We came here wanting three points and nothing else and we would’ve been really disappointed to leave with anything other than that.”
“They didn’t make it easy for us at all, but we too made it difficult. We weren’t very clinical in front of goal. We created a lot of chances, but didn’t take as many as we could have. However, we managed to get the win and that’s all that matters, as well as what I think was a good solid performance.”
After twice missing headed chances Knapman raced on to Natalie Haigh’s through ball to put Yeovil ahead on 43 minutes.
While Durham struggled to trouble their visitor’s goal at the other end Stephanie Williams volleyed onto the bar from 40 yards just after the hour mark.
Knapman and Bow Jackson both missed from close range for Yeovil in the final ten minutes, before a stoppage time strike from Alys Hinchcliffe was saved well by Alderson.
Yeovil Town Ladies next face Everton in a 2.00pm KO at Huish Park on Sunday 13th September. Tickets, along with a pre-match carvery, can be purchased here costing £4.00 adults / £2.50 concessions / £9.50 for 2 course carvery
Durham Women FC Team: Helen Alderson, Rachel Lee, Julie Nelson, Sarah Wilson, Jordon Atkinson (sub 63′), Beth Hepple, Lauren Jordinson, Nicki Gears, Courtney Corrie (sub 78′), Natalie Gutteridge, Chloe Macek (sub 46′)
Durham Women FC Substitutes: Meg Lawson (78′), Amelia Pereira (63′), Gabrielle Banks (46′)
Yeovil Town Ladies FC Team: Helen Bleazard, Charlotte Haynes, Corinne Yorston, Stephanie Williams, Natasha Knapman, Ellis Hillman, Natalie Haigh, Sarah Wiltshire, Shauna Cossens (sub 58′), Emily Donovan (sub 85′), Ann-Marie Heatherson (sub 76′)
Yeovil Town Ladies FC Substitutes: Leah Burridge (85′), Alys Hinchcliffe (76′), Bow Jackson (58′)
Yeovil Town Ladies FC Goal Scorers: Knapman
Yellow cards: Ellis Hillman
Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC
