Match 1:- City Vs AFC Bournemouth

Winchester City Women 3 – 0 AFC Bournemouth Women

On a scorching afternoon at Chilcomb, Winchester City Women got their campaign off to a flyer. Facing a young and energetic Bournemouth team, City knew that they would have to work hard to earn a win and City showed great team spirit to earn the win despite the heat. It took only ten minutes for City to break the deadlock. Vicky Horner threw a long throw down the right which Bex Cleary crossed first time into the box. Gemma Ryan, arriving at speed, wrongfooted the covering defender before smashing her shot high into the roof of the net. This goal settled City’s nerves and there were numerous attacks on the Bournemouth goal which led to many runs being stopped by some rather crude challenges. From one such foul, captain Cathy MacDonald curled a free kick into the top righthand corner of the goal, leaving the keeper flapping at thin air giving City a two goal lead after only half an our of the new season. It was only five minutes later before City further extended their lead when a long ball out of defence was latched onto by Cleary who managed to beat the two covering defenders to release a low shot past the diving keeper. This proved to be the end of the scoring but City still dominated the match and should really have added to their tally. Both Cleary and Ryan had chances to extend the lead but failed to test the keeper. Amy Maidment, who helped City to dominate the midfield along with the energetic Emily McInnes, was unlucky to see her powerful shot cannon off the crossbar after a good run into the box. Lee Thubron in the City goal did not have to save a genuine shot and was reduced to sweeping up longballs as the back four proved to be more than capable of stifling any attacks. This win sets City up well as they travel to Christchurch next week where they have so far not managed to register a point.

Team:- L. Thubron; V. Horner (E. Brassington, 82), S. Hagger, C. MacDonald, S. Lewis; E. McInnes, N. Matthews (J. Foat, 45), A. Maidment (L. Foat, 85); S. Gilbert, B. Cleary, G. Ryan    

Match 2: Christchurch Vs City

Christchurch Ladies 3 – 6 Winchester City Women

Winchester City Women made the difficult trip to Christchurch where they had previously not managed to pick up a single point but this time came away with all three. The game did not start well for City, Christchurch opening the scoring first after only five minutes with a fine finish into the top corner that gave Lee Thubron no chance. However, this goal failed to dent City’s optimism and they were soon on the attack with Sara Gilbert producing a fine save from the keeper. City managed to get a deserved equalizer when Bex Cleary latched onto a long ball and chipped the now overworked goalkeeper. The match was now one way traffic towards the Christchurch goal and City should really have been out of sight but Cleary, Gilbert and Gemma Ryan all missed great opportunities. Christchurch’s defence produced a brilliant display of last ditch defending when the keeper denied Cleary before two separate defenders denied the goal bound follow ups of Gilbert and Amy Maidment. However, City eventually managed to get the goal that their domination deserved when Ryan scored with a powerful low finish. This lead did not last long and Christchurch had soon put their noses back in front with two clinical finishes either side of the halftime break after quick counter attacking moves. 

City continued to play their attacking football and were soon rewarded with two quick goals. Cleary managed to shoot the ball through the keepers despairing grasp and then produced a good left footed finish into the bottom corner which completed her hattrick. Sarah Lewis and Ryan had complete control of the left flank and started numerous attacks from that wing and Christchurch were reduced to shots from distance as they failed to break down the solid central defensive partnership of Sorcha Hagger and Cath MacDonald. When they did manage to break through, Vicky Horner was there covering and pressurizing the striker enough to not allow a clean strike leaving Thubron with only one save to make in the second half, bravley blocking the onrushing striker's powerful shot in a one-on-one situation. The introduction of Martina O’Flynn solidified the midfield and it was her pass that allowed Gilbert to score the goal her performances have deserved. Cleary put the game beyond Christchurch in the final minute after rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the empty net maintaining City’s lead at the top of the table.

Team:- L. Thubron; V. Horner, S. Hagger, C. MacDonald, S. Lewis; A. Maidment (E. Brassington, 82), J. Foat (M. O’Flynn, 60), E. McInnes; S. Gilbert, B. Cleary, G. Ryan

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Match 3:- City Vs Horndean

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Winchester City Women 2 – 0 Horndean Ladies

Two shots on target, two goals. That simple statistic tells the story of Winchester City Women’s performance against Horndean on Sunday. In true testament to City's character, despite playing nowhere near their potential they managed to win the game against their fierce rivals. City's normal quick passing game was not in evidence resulting in plenty of possession but the killer ball lacking. Horndean were pinned in their own half for the majority of the first period but their goalkeeper was rarely threatened, with shots going wide of the mark. The only breakthrough came when Cath MacDonald curled a spectacular left foot goal from the edge of the area after her free kick had hit the wall. Horndean briefly threatened near the end of the first half but Vicky Horner managed to clear a scuffed shot off the line after an almighty scramble in the penalty area.

The second half saw Horndean causing more problems for City's defence than they had managed in the first half but City resolutely held on to their one goal lead. Martina O'Flynn battled for every ball in midfield, giving Horndean no time in possession, leaving Sorcha Hagger and McDonald to competently deal with the two isolated strikers. City’s only real attack of note in the second half came when the front pair of Sara Gilbert and Bex Cleary combined down the right wing. Gilbert's quickly taken throw in allowed Cleary to cut into the penalty area and dispatch a low left foot finish past the stranded keeper. This goal settled City's nerves and they competently shut out Horndean for the rest of the match. So far this season, City have the only 100% record in the division and have shown that they have the ability to both win with style and can battle when they need to.

Team:- L. Thubron; V. Horner, S. Hagger, C. MacDonald, S. Lewis; A. Maidment (L. McLaughlan, 64), J. Foat (N. Mattews, 55), M. O’Flynn, G. Ryan; B. Cleary (V. Jolly, 88), S. Gilbert

Match 4:- Portsmouth University Vs City

Match 5:- City Vs Havant & Waterlooville

Winchester City Women 0 - 3 Havant and Waterlooville

Winchester City Women welcomed the newly formed Havant and Waterlooville team to Chilcomb on Sunday but were left disappointed not only with the defeat but the manner in which it occurred. Havant had had a delayed start to their season but their only game had been a comprehensive defeat of Christchurch so City knew that they were in for a tough game. However, City put behind them the disappointment of their last lethargic performance and were back challenging for every ball, making life hard for Havant. Sorcha Hagger had an impressive game in a new position of central midfield, breaking down attacks with ease before being the catalyst for City's good moves. City dominated possession but it was Havant who made the most of theirs and they went into the break two goals to the good.

City continued to frustrate their opponants in the second half and should really have pulled a goal back when Bex Cleary beat the offside trap and rounded the onrushing keeper but somehow failed to beat the covering defender on the line. The effort that City had put into the game was now starting to tell with cramp setting in on a number of players. Bizarrely, the time taken to treat City's walking wounded seemed to frustrate Havant with their manager constantly asking the referee to make sure time was being added on for stoppages, a strange request when it was his team winning. The frustration of the Havant players, who appeared to think this match should have been as easy as their last, culminated in one striker kicking Laura McLaughlan behind the referee's back which started a confrontation between the teams but the only red card went to the Havant manager who had been pushing his luck all day. Havant did manage to score from a freekick outside the box but in truth Lee Thubron in goal did not have a lot of work to do all afternnoon. City can be proud of their performance but the souring of the relationship between the two teams spoiled what was on the whole a good game of football.

Team:- L. Thubron; J. Foat (K. Tiplaid, 78), E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, S. Lewis; S. Gilbert, S. Hagger, G. Ryan (L. MacLaughlan, 82), N. Matthews (E. Brassington, 60); A. Maidment, B. Cleary  

Match 6:- Andover New Street Vs City

Andover New Street 1 - 0 Winchester City Women

Winchester City Women's bad patch of form continued with a deserved loss at old rivals Andover New Street. The score line should have been much worse and would have been if it hadn't been for the athleticism of stand-in goalkeeper Emily McInnes who made countless saves throughout the match when a goal looked the likely outcome. When McInnes was beaten at set plays then fullbacks Emma Brassington and Laura MacLaughlan were on hand to head the ball off the goal line. In truth, City failed to find their rhythm all afternoon and failed to pressure New Street for any substantial amount of time. 

City's play did improve after the break with some balls being worked to the forwards but the New Street goalkeeper was rarely threatened as her defence managed to sweep up any danger confidently. New Street continued to have the run of the game but could not find a way past McInnes, even from the penalty spot after Brassington was adjudged to have tripped the New Street striker from behind. It took until the 80th minute of sustained New Street pressure for the deadlock to be broken after an unstoppable shot from outside the box evaded McInnes' dive. City's cause for a late equaliser was not helped with the loss of both their strikers late on in the game as they crashed to their third straight defeat. The future does not look any easier for City as they face Southampton Saints next but they need to start to accumulate points again soon if they are to seriously push for promotion.

Team:- E. McInnes; E. Brassington, S. Lewis, C. MacDonald, L. MacLaughlan; S. Gilbert, Sorcha Hagger, M. O'Flynn, N. Matthews; A. Maidment (L. Foat, 78), B. Cleary (Scarlett Hagger, 82)   

Match 7:- City Vs Southampton Saints Youth

Winchester City Women 1 - 2 Southampton Saints Youth

In a match that Winchester City Women dominated from start to finish it was the visitors, Southampton Saints Youth, who went away with all three points and continued City's dissapointing run of form. City started strongly, passing the ball around well, and looking like putting an end to their three game losing streak. However, it was Saints who were two goals in front at half time after their only two attacks of the whole match were calmly finished off by their impressive striker after some uncharacteristic disappointing defending. Sara Gilbert was having a good game in the unfamiliar position of right back, proving to be a useful defender as well as starting numerous attacks. City's luck looked like it was changing when Saints former England Youth International keeper was forced off after an accidental collision with the onrushing Aimee Maidment. However, her deputy proved to be an able replacement and pulled off a good save low at the near post from Bex Cleary following Sorcha Hagger's excellent corner.

The second half saw Saints reduced to nine players after injuries decimated their team but despite their numerical disadvantage they managed to hold on to their lead throughout City's relentless onslaughts. City failed to find the killer ball to break down Saints stubborn rearguard action and all to often ended up dribbling the ball into trouble when a simple pass was the better option. Cleary and Cath MacDonald both wasted chances from well placed free kicks and Cleary also only managed to shoot straight at the onrushing keeper after bringing down a cross in the box and shooting on the volley. In truth, City really failed to test the understudy keeper and the only evidence of their continuous attacks was a well taken goal from Sorcha Hagger from outside the box. The only plus point to the afternoon was the welcome return to action of Emily Langstone after over a year out through injury. The effort that Saints put into the game payed off for them as they left Chilcomb with all the points and City really needing a win against top of the table Hamble to keep their season alive.   

Team:- L. Thubron; S. Gilbert, E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, S. Lewis; A. Maidment, S. Hagger, E. Brassington (J. Foat, 15, C. Mansell, 80), N. Matthews (E. Langstone, 55); G. Ryan, B. Cleary

Match 8:- City Vs Hamble

Winchester City 1 - 1 Hamble

After an uncharateristic run of four consecutive defeats, Winchester City Women eventually managed to gain a point and should probably have taken more after an energetic performance against Hamble Ladies. New team to the league Hamble were a new challenge to City, this being the first meeting between the two teams, but City knew they were in for a tough test due to Hamble's second position in the league. However, in contrast to previous games, City started off strongly, challenging for every ball and never allowing Hamble time to settle. City were passing the ball well, an element missing from earlier play, and were on the front foot from the off, forcing the Hamble defence to make sloppy errors. The City defence looked comftable against the Hamble forwards and Laura McLaughlan had a solid game at left back, never letting the Hamble midfielder the time that she wanted on the ball. City took the lead when an inswinging corner from Cath MacDonald was not fully punched clear by the keeper allowing Bex Cleary to score from close range at the near post. Unfortunatly the lead did not last long as a rare attack from Hamble was confidently finished off by the quick Hamble forward, leaving the scores even at the break.

The second half saw Hamble come into the game more and Lee Thubron was forced into a brilliant double save after a long ball forward. Real goal scoring oppurtunities were few and far between for both teams but City carved out more half chances. A great run forward from Jane Foat did not get the finish from Cleary that it deserved and Sorcha Hagger could not get the purchase on the ball that was required after a good ball from Sara Gilbert forced the keeper to make a clearence outside of her box, leaving her stranded. However, after recent performances City were happy to leave with a point instead of empty handed and looking like they enjoyed their football again.  

Team:- L. Thubron; S. Lewis, E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, L. McLaughlan; A. Maidment, M. O'Flynn, S. Hagger, G. Ryan (J. Foat, 70); S. Gilbert, B. Cleary

Match Nine:- City Vs New Street

Winchester City 2 - 8 Andover New Street

After only a narrow loss away to visitors Andover New Street, Winchester City Women felt that they should be able to gain some points from this match. As always seems to be the case when these two teams meet the weather was awful with strong wind and rain leading to a very cut up surface. City, playing with the wind in the first half, started off strongly and put New Street under instant pressure at the back, Gemma Ryan going close with an early effort. However, it was New Street who took the lead after a City move was broken up leaving them open to a counter attack which Andover used to expose Lee Thubron in goal in a two on one situation, giving her no chance to prevent a goal. City did not let this get to them and tried to play their game but after a couple of weeks layoff the fluidity was not there. New Street managed to score another two quick goals, their strong passing and powerful running was too good for the City defence and also managed to beat the wind.

There was hope of a City comeback with two goals either side of the interval. A good ball out from defence by Cathy MacDonald gave Bex Cleary the opportunity to pull one goal back with a low shot under the advancing keeper. Then Cleary found herself one on one with the keeper again minutes into the second half after winning the ball off a defender and managed to find the far corner. This left the score at 3-2 to New Street and City had two golden oppurtunities to tie the game but Cleary somehow missed both. A penalty was awarded for a foul on Cleary but the keeper made a flying save to her left and then, only minutes later, Cleary again found herself in the now familiar position of one-on-one with the New Street keeper but this time managed to beat the keeper with a scuffed shot but also the far post. After these great chances, City's game completely fell apart and New Street turned the screw, managing to score five more goals before the referee finally called a halt. This left City with a humiliating but deserved scoreline after such a performance and very close to the foot of the table, an embarrassing position to find themselves in after such a strong start to the season and the quality of players in the team. After a performance like this, it is time for the players as a whole to begin to repay the amount of time and effort the management put into the team by climbing back up the table.

Team:- L. Thubron; S. Lewis, E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, L. MacLaughlan; A. Maidment, N. Matthews, E. Langstone, G. Ryan (E. Brassington, 50); S. Gilbert, B. Cleary   

Match Ten:- Hamble Vs City

Hamble 2 - 8 Winchester City

The New Year got off to a perfect start for Winchester City Women with a convincing win away to Hamble. However, the scoreline did not reflect the spirited performance that a depleted Hamble team produced and their never-say-die attitude. The first half was one way traffic towards the Hamble goal, City taking an early lead when Sara Gilbert slid home into an empty net after Gemma Ryan's shot had been saved by the keeper. Amy Maidment doubled the lead after a fine run down the right flank was followed by a powerful finish into the far corner of the goal, giving the keeper no chance. This goal was quickly followed by a carbon copy effort by Gemma Ryan on the opposite side of the pitch and the scoreline was 4-0 within the first 30 minutes when Bex Cleary drove another shot across the keeper after a run from the halfway line. The scoreline should really have been increased further but poor finishing coupled with Hamble's defiant defending kept the score down. Sorcha Hagger, on a strong run forward from defence, was unlucky to see her shot hit the post with no-one there to hit the follow up into an empty net.

The second half saw the introduction of captain Cathy MacDonald and it only took her five minutes to put her mark on the game, a corner was only being half cleared and she powered the ball into the net from a tight angle. The game was put beyond any doubt when Cleary scored a quick double, a turn and volley on a loose ball in the box and a tap in from Maidment's saved shot. Hamble deservedly pulled two goals back after City's underworked defence were unable to fully clear a ball, allowing Hamble to scramble the ball home and then allowed an attacker a clear run to goal. However City soon recovered their composure and had the final word with the last goal, Cleary running clear of the defence to finish past the exposed keeper. This performance was not City's most polished ever but it did eventually put their season back on track and hopefully give some much needed confidence before a tough trip to the Isle of Wight to meet Shanklin from the league above.

Team:- L. Thubron; S. Lewis, E. McInnes, S. Hagger, N. Matthews; A. Maidment, M. O'Flynn, E. Brassington (C. MacDonald, 45), G. Ryan; S. Gilbert, B. Cleary

Cup Match:- Shanklin Vs City

Shanklin 0 - 1 Winchester City (AET)

Winchester City Women faced their longest journey of the season as they travelled to the Isle of Wight but it all proved worthwhile after a hard fought victory over Shanklin. Playing two leagues above City, Shanklin were well organised and dominated the game but City's hardworking team never let them have time on the ball in the final third leading to wasted good build up play. City's defence had an excellent game with Nicky Matthews and Sarah Lewis producing numerous welltimed tackles in and around the area while Cathy MacDonald dominated the aerial battles. Any shots that did get through this tough tackling rearguard were met with the nearly impossible task of beating Emily McInnes in goal who produced numerous saves and showed her agility on numerous occassions. City's play was scrappy but effective and they managed to produce a couple of opportunities of their own on the counterattack but were unable to take full advantage. Bex Cleary chipped the keeper but missed the target when well placed and MacDonald also uncharacteristically failed to make the keeper work from a well placed free kick.

With both teams unable to score, the game went into extra time. On a heavy pitch, City were feeling the effects of their exertions but dug deep and continued to battle for every ball and take everything that Shanklin threw at them while also creating opportunities for themselves on the break. From one such counterattacking move which earnt a corner City managed to take the lead. Emma Brassington played the cleared ball forward towards Gemma Ryan whose shot took an awkward bounce leading the keeper to only parry the ball. Sara Gilbert, who had tirelessly run and tracked back all day, got the reward her play deserved by beating the defender to the ball to slide into the empty net. With only minutes left in extra time, Shanklin threw everything at City but City took the sting out of their mommentum with Cleary and Ryan keeping the ball in the corner which also gave the defence a deserved breather. City held off until the final whistle to progress into the next round and start their long journey home and a much needed rest.  

Team:- E. McInnes; E. Brassington, S. Lewis, C. MacDonald, N. Matthews; A. Maidment, S. Hagger, M. O'Flynn, G. Ryan; S. Gilbert, B. Cleary

Cup Match:- Wey Valley Vs City

Wey Valley 2 - 6 Winchester City

Winchester City Women's good run in the cups continued with a comfortable win over Wey Valley. Despite Wey Valley being two divisions below City, Winchester were wary of an upset after themselves beating higher league opposition in Shanklin. And it was Wey Valley who opened the scoring after a quick counterattacking move caught an experimental City backline cold. City were soon level, Sara Gilbert pressuring a defender into a mistake in the box and prodding the ball past the keeper. And it was not long before City took the lead that they would not relinquish, Gemma Ryan placing a good right footed shot across the keeper. City were now comfortably in control of the game but this resulted in sloppy and selfish play - not the standard that City expect. Cath MacDonald saw her shot cannon off the crossbar after a good solo run but it was Gilbert who managed to score again after Wey Valley failed to clear a corner.

After the break, City's overall play improved but it was not until the 60th minute that City managed to score again, Gilbert finishing confidently across the keeper to complete a well deserved hattrick before adding a fourth 10 minutes later. Wey Valley never gave up and continued to try to pressure City and their play was rewarded when they managed to squeeze the ball from a corner. But it was City who had the last word when Bex Cleary got on the end of Sorcha Hagger's throughball and thumped the ball into the corner of the net. In the end, City won comfortably but face a much tougher test if they want to progress to the next round, Havant and Waterlooville stand in the way.

Team:- L. Thubron; L. McLaughlan, V. Jolly, N. Matthews; K. Codford, M. O'Flynn, S. Hagger, C. MacDonald, G. Ryan; S. Gilbert, B. Cleary

Cup Match:- Southampton Women Vs City

Southampton 3-1 Winchester

Winchester City Women's reward for beating higher league opposition in Shanklin was a trip to an even higher league side in the form of Premiership Southampton. The last time these two teams met the scoreline showed a comprehensive defeat for City. This time, however, the match proved a much tighter affair with Saints being made to work hard for their victory. City, after arriving late having not been informed of the earlier kickoff time, started slowly and Saints took full advantage, putting the ball into the back of the net after some neat interchanging of passing. However, City refused to capitulate and the growth in confidence throughout the half was obvious and it was City who had the best of the chances as the half grew to a close. Saints failed to clear a freekick but Sorcha Hagger's brilliantly improvised volley was somehow palmed onto the crossbar when the top corner seemed the more likely destination. From the resulting corner, Cath MacDonald saw another shot cannon off the crossbar and to safety, leaving Saints only just holding onto their lead at the end of the half.

City began the second half as they ended the first and this time managed to get a deserved equaliser when Amy Maidment forced Saints England U19 International goalkeeper into a hurried clearence that fell kindly to strike partner Bex CLeary to pass into the now unguarded net. And it was City who almost took the lead when another poor clearence again fell to Vicky Jolly but her first time shot was saved by the now recovered keeper. Saints kept City's defence on their toes all game but poor finishing coupled with the strong defensive partnership of Emily McInnes and MacDonald left Saints snatching at oppurtunities. However, as the half wore on, Saints' extra fitness started to tell and two goals late in the half settled the contest. City can take heart from their performance and if they manage to play like that in the league they should soon start to climb the table.

Team:- L. Thubron; E. Brassington, E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, L. McLaughlan; K. Codford, V. Jolly, S. Hagger, G. Ryan; A. Maidment, B. Cleary  

Cup Match:- Basingstoke Town Vs City

Basingstoke Town 3 - 1 Winchester City Women

Winchester City Women's best hope of silverware this season vanished after a battling defeat to Division 2 highflyers Basingstoke Town. Due to injury and illness, City could only start with nine fit players and against a team as high in confidence and well organised as Basingstoke this was always going to prove a very difficult match. With the wind behind them in the first half, Basingstoke managed to keep up an almost relentless attack on City's goal. Only good goal line clearences from Laura MacLaughlan and blocks from Emily McInnes stopped Basingstoke taking an unassailable lead into half time. Basingstoke did manage to breach these defences once early on but overall City stood firm and even managed to instigate some counterattacks, preassurising freekicks and corners with some good interchanging of passing despite the limited number of players. Amy Maidment worked hard in midfield, challenging for possession whilst also supporting in the rare attacks. City's cause was not helped when a nasty injury to Gemma Ryan led to her being forced to withdraw just before halftime. Basingstoke took full advantage of having three extra players and scored a second on the stroke of halftime.

The second half proved a different affair. With the wind now behind City, they were able to more effectivly clear their lines and force some extra possession off Basingstoke. However, it was still Basingstoke who managed to score first when a defencive mixup left Town with a virtually empty goal to tap into. City refused to give up and did deservedly get a goal back that their effort deserved. Emma Brassington, a rock in midfield all day, managed to get the ball to Maidment in the box who squirmed through a couple of challenges before blocking a half clearence that fell kindly to Bex Cleary to beat the keeper and knock the ball into the goal. Despite all of City's effort, this proved to be all they could get of this game but they can be proud of the energy that they put into a very hard game. Credit to Basingstoke who played well and are obviously a good footballing side but with a full City team the result might have been different.

Team:-  L. Thubron; L. MacLaughlan, E. McInnes, C. MacDonald, N. Matthews; A. Maidment, E. Brassington, G. Ryan; B. Cleary

Match 11:- City Vs Salisbury City

 Winchester City 0 - 5 Salisbury City