Portsmouth Univ Ladies 5 Basingstoke Town Ladies 0

Many thanks to Dave Stevens for the final Ladies match report of the season;

Hampshire County WFL Division One
10/05/09

Basingstoke Town Ladies travelled to Portsmouth for their last game of the season still with a chance of some silverware.
Portsmouth started very much the brighter side and Basingstoke appeared to be suffering with the pressure. It was the home side who quickly took the lead after only 5 mins as they were gifted a free header in the 6 yard box from a corner. Before the end of the first half Basingstoke were to suffer more blows as Portsmouth added 2 more goals, both from further set pieces, one of them a penalty. Halftime and it was 3-0 to Portsmouth.

Basingstoke were further hampered five minutes into the second half as Gemma Green sustained what appeared to be a serious injury to her ankle. An ambulance was called and when the match finally resumed, almost an hour had passed with no play. Basingstoke did show a few glimpses of what they are capable of, with a couple of chances being put wide of the goal in quick succession but Portsmouth increased their lead still further after another award of a penalty. The final goal of the match came in the 82nd minute after some good play down the right by the Portsmouth midfield. The ball was crossed into the middle of the 18yd box and was firmly despatched into the visitors net. Final score: Portsmouth Ladies 5 Basingstoke Ladies 0.

Basingstoke Town Ladies player of the match (sponsored by BTFC supporters club) was awarded to Natasha Angel.

Basingstoke Town Ladies : Becky Power - Rachel Harris - Jo Poulter - Natasha Angel - Sue Parker - Tracy Jones ( sub: Katie Hempton 84 mins ) - Lindsey Beverley - Gemma Green (sub: Beth Connelly 49 mins ) - Sam Stevens - Justine Mosley - Lindsey Wilson ( sub: Kelly Rutledge 88mins )

Both ladies sides have performed exceptionally well this season. The reserve side, in only their second season, managed to finish in a creditable fourth position, losing just six of their eighteen league games. Only 2 of these losses were at home and with 68 goals scored throughout the league campaign with a goal difference of +30. Well done to all the ladies in the reserve side and also to Claire Hodder and Paul Miles.

The ladies first team were in contention for the silverware in their own league (HCWL Division 1) right up until the very last game which they sadly lost.This was one of only two league defeats all season. Nevertheless, this was a great achievement as it was only their second season in this league, and to finish runners up for the second time was no mean feat. Having reached the semi-final of the HCWL Invitation Cup, only to bow out to Portsmouth, they were to go one better in the North Hants F.A. Womens Challenge Cup. Having reached the final for the fourth year in succession, this year they were defending champions. The ladies battled bravely from 1-0 down to finish winners 3-1 and retain their title. Well done to all you ladies who have participated for the first team and special thanks to Steve Pike who has worked tirelessly to get these teams to the standard they are at now. Onwards and upwards and hopefully better things to come next season.

Dave Stevens