First-half goals from Sarah Wiltshire and Curson see Yeovil leapfrog Bristol into second
Skipper Ellie Curson believes Yeovil are starting to produce their best attacking play at Huish Park after Sarah Wiltshire’s quickfire opener set them on the way to a 2-0 victory over Bristol City.
Curson also struck in the first half before Yeovil went on to secure the result that sees them leapfrog Bristol into second on goal difference in FA Women’s Super League 2.
Only Everton are now above the Lady Glovers – also on goal difference – and midfielder Curson admits Wiltshire’s goal with just a minute gone could not have been a bigger boost.
“I’m still in shock at how quick we scored because it doesn’t happen often,” said the Wales international. “We have struggled to score here at Huish Park so to do it in the first few minutes was a great start.
“If we didn’t manage to do that it may have gone the other way, but we got three points in bag and go to joint top of the league.
“In the second half we sat in and protected our goal, we said that we would come out in the second half and not concede, which we did. The back three were exceptional; Kayleigh Green was outstanding, Hannah (Short) and Nicola (Cousins) were outstanding as well.
"They didn’t have many chances despite being on top in the second half, but every team will have spells so it’s about how you manage it, I thought we managed it well.”
The Lady Glovers got off to a dream start when Helen Bleazard’s low cross was emphatically converted at the back post by Wiltshire for her fifth goal of the season.
Bristol looked to draw level almost immediately, but on-loan striker Millie Farrow was denied by a fine save from home keeper Charlotte Haynes.
Despite the Vixens’ best efforts it was Yeovil who doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Curson looped an effort over the stranded Caitlin Leach from the edge of the box – and it remained 2-0 by the break.
Bristol were unable to turn possession into goal scoring opportunities in the second half, with Haynes plucking a number of dangerous crosses out of the air.
Bristol defender Loren Dykes said: “It’s a reality check for us, it was tough. Credit to Yeovil, who won the game in the first half really. “We couldn’t say the game was over but we couldn’t do enough to get a goal.
"It was an improved performance and there’s a lot to take from it and a lot to learn, but the reality is the league is very competitive and points can be picked up by anyone.
“I think it always comes as a shock when you concede so early; maybe it was a lack of focus, Yeovil came out of the blocks which was our plan but they did it quicker.”
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Yeovil Ladies: Charlotte Haynes; Kayleigh Green, Hannah Short, Nicola Cousins; Helen Bleazard, Steph Williams, Ellie Curson, Nadia Lawrence, Kelly Snook; Annie Heatherson, Sarah Wiltshire.
Substitutes: Emily Donovan for Williams 57, Natasha Knapman for Heatherson 76, Jessie Jones for Kelly Snook 86.
Substitutes not used: Ellis Hillman, Lauren Townsend, Charlotte Johnson, Sammy Quayle.
Bookings: Nicola Cousins (84)
Red Cards:
Bristol City: Caitlin Leach; Grace McCatty, Hayley Ladd, Eloise Wilson; Tatiana Pinto, Georgia Evans, Jodie Brett, Chloe Arthur; Olivia Fergusson, Millie Farrow, Rosella Ayane.
Substitutes: Loren Dykes for Ladd 45, Megan Alexander for Evans 68, Poppy Wilson for Fergusson 68.
Substitutes not used: Hannah Reid, Flo Allen, Frankie Brown, Katie Jones.
Bookings: Tatiana Pinto (63)
Red Cards:
Referee: Lewis Sandoe.
Attendance: 693.
Yeovil are in home action again on Sunday, as Aston Villa visit Huish Park (2.00pm ko)
