Bretforton 3, Devizes 2

SATURDAY'S visitors to the High School made a flying start to the first league match of 2006 and a simple cross was converted to leave Bretforton chasing the game.

This turned out to be a wake-up call for the home side and forwards Sara Hall and Deb Slatter then got into the groove and neat passing proceeded to make mince-meat of the Swindon side's defence.

Slatter made a decisive run down the right before passing to player of the match Hall who, on her favoured reverse stick, slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

More excellent passing work from Slatter and Hall led to the former giving her side a 2-1 lead.

Five minutes later and Slatter again gave the Devizes back line a hard time and her cross was collected by Andrea Cole who fund the net to make it 3-1 at half-time.

Devizes stepped their game up on the restart and their midfielders and forwards made life difficult for the hosts.

However, Michaela Amplett, Jane Wheeler, Bobbie Handley and Sara Cooke defended resolutely to deny Devizes a second goal.

Bretforton were then unlucky not to increase their lead when Cole found the net only for the umpire to disallow the goal for an infringement.

Devizes piled on the pressure and pulled another goal back with 15 minutes to go but further solid defensive work and good play from goalkeeper Vicky Webb ensured the victory.

The match ball was sponsored by Cotswold Trees, Walls and Fences.

Newent 1, Bretforton II 1

BRETFORTON continued their positive approach form of the previous week to record a creditable draw against Saturday's third in the table hosts.

Newent's young legs started well but, on a sandy surface, the ball wasn't moving fast and Bretforton's strong defensive form, controlled at the back by player of the match Fiona Jordan, kept the hosts at bay.

The best of the chances in the second half came the visitors' way. Bernie Amphlett swept the ball magnificently towards goal but it clipped the keeper's pad and no one was ready for the deflection.

Barry had a superb run up field and fought to get around the goal but the eventual shot was weak and went wide.

Newent were frequently pushing forward defensive players after the restart but they needed an unfortunate deflection finally take the lead against the run of play.

Bretforton were determined to get all-square and Jordan's smashing hit following a short corner levelled matters.

However, the visitors were indebted to some fine late stops from goalkeeper Fiona Lovecy to ensure they travelled back home with a deserved draw.

The match ball was sponsored by A and E Fire Equipment.

The next match is at home to Yate.