POROCK Ladies put up a spirited display before losing 8-3 away to Portishead Ladies A in the Somerset Women’s Football League

Porlock travelled to Portishead with a squad of 15 players for their first game back after the Christmas break. With several weeks off, a few new faces were included in the squad.

With no recognised goalkeeper available and facing a young, energetic Portishead side, it was always going to be a tough challenge for the West Somerset side.

The visitors’ manager Christina bravely stepped in as goalkeeper, lining up in front of her back five of Ellen, Rhiannan, Lauren, Abbie, and Amber.

Georgia and Helen sat in holding midfield, with Julie and Aimee on the wings, supporting Kez to attack forward. Porlock started brightly, pressing high and repeatedly catching Portishead offside. The intensity caused problems early on, but around 20 minutes into the half Portishead managed to break through Porlock’s defence, finishing low into the right-hand corner. With Christina deputising in goal, there was little chance to react.

A controversial refereeing decision soon followed, as a Porlock player was shown a yellow card for what appeared to be a fair challenge. But advantage was played and Portishead’s scored their second goal, making it 2–0.

Shortly after, Portishead added a third with a ball over the top for their striker to be 1 on 1 with the step in keeper. Substitutions followed and a change of line up going to 4 at the back and adding more attacking threat from Chloe, Julie, Aimee and Kez. Bella came on fresh at left back for Amber.

Porlock responded superbly within minutes and an assist from Aimeet found Kez, who finished clinically from the right-hand side to pull one back. Porlock’s momentum continued, and following a strong challenge involving Chloe and the Portishead goalkeeper, Porlock grabbed another goal to make it 3–2 at half time with Porlock mounting an impressive fightback.

More changes were made by Porlock at the start of the second half: Julie moved into central midfield role to support play, Lauren stepped into goal, while Sarah came on at right back.

Portishead started the half quickly, scoring two early goals to extend their lead to 5–2. Porlock’s players were beginning to pick up injuries and unable to play anymore, so four subs soon changed to one. Porlock refused to give in. Aimee produced a moment of brilliance, scoring an incredible goal from out wide to reduce the deficit.

Despite visible fatigue kicking in now, Porlock continued to push forward, attempting to build play and create triangles. However, Portishead struck again with another well-taken goal over the top, making it 6–3. The score remained 6–3 for a while, giving Porlock renewed belief.

The defence then put in a heroic effort, clearing three possible ‘goals’ off the line to protect Lauren in goal. Eventually, Portishead broke through again, adding two more goals late on to seal the game at 8–3.

Porlock’s joint Players of the Match were Lauren and Julie – both showed outstanding determination, battling relentlessly throughout the game. (Julie perhaps a bit too much…).

Despite the scoreline, Porlock Ladies showed great heart, resilience, and teamwork in extremely challenging circumstances. There were plenty of positives for Porlock to take into the next match.