Yeovil Town Women were beaten 2-1 by Portishead on the opening day of their South West Regional Premier Division campaign, despite a spectacular long-range free-kick from Isabella Foster at Huish Park.
A crowd of 277 watched Dave Court’s side take on Portishead, who were relegated from Tier 3 last season. The match was Yeovil’s first since earning promotion to the South West Regional Premier Division.
Foster levels the match with 30-yard free-kick
Portishead went ahead after around 15 minutes when Lily Farr, who had come on as a substitute following an injury in the early stages, ran down the left and lifted an effort over Yeovil goalkeeper Emily Hall.
Foster came close from a set piece shortly after the 20-minute mark, shooting just wide. She did find the target soon afterwards, however, striking an unstoppable free-kick from approximately 30 yards beyond goalkeeper Abi Footner to bring Yeovil level.
Portishead nearly restored their advantage before half-time when Shannon Holloway sent a dangerous cross towards goal that bounced back off the crossbar.
Portishead strike proves decisive
After the interval, Becky Miles forced a strong save from Footner before Portishead regained the lead in the 73rd minute. Rachel Poole finished impressively to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.
Yeovil continued to push for another equaliser. Evie Foot and Mia Blazey were both denied by Footner, while Foster sent the final opportunity over the bar in added time.
The result ended in disappointment for a Yeovil team that had threatened to turn the match around, but the performance earned praise from the manager and defender Abbie Vernon.
Court praises supporters after close contest
Speaking to club media after the match, Court described it as “a really good game of football” and said it was “a good advert for the league and women’s football”. He also thanked the supporters, saying there were “nearly 300 people here today” and that their attendance was appreciated.
Vernon said the match “could have gone either way”, adding that two excellent saves by the Portishead goalkeeper had prevented Yeovil from potentially winning 3-2. She said the team had worked hard and praised the crowd for backing the players.
Yeovil Town Women’s next fixture is against the Army Women’s Development Team in the UB Infrastructure Development League on Thursday night. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm on the Huish Park 3G.
The Glovers have also been handed a home tie in the FA Cup Second Round Qualifying. They will welcome Poole Town to Alvington on Sunday, 20 September.