Winners are grinners

North Somerset Ladies finished their season in fine style with a win away at Knowle. There are two weeks of league fixtures left for other teams but due to one team withdrawing and the way the fixture list was compiled North finished early, but know that no-one can overtake them so they will finish as runners up in Brunel Division 3.
The depth of the North squad was demonstrated as although they were missing some of their key players their match day squad was still able to dominate their opposition. Joanne Bickerstaffe came back for a game in goal, Lizzie Longdon moved out from the posts to play full back and Faith Byrne also made a welcome appearance in the back line with Jane Bennett commanding the defence at centre back. Amy Blenkinsopp alternated between defence and a less accustomed midfield role as North used their substitutes to rotate midfield and defence.
The rejigged midfield saw Phoebe Gibson continuing to impress, playing with great maturity for her age and getting good support from captain Michelle Overbury, Maddie Welsh, Georgia Gale and Steph Lambert.
Up front, Joanne Withers lead the line with her customary fire and skill, ably supported by wingers Brooke Bassett and Milli Bryant.
The pattern of play was North attacking more, with Knowle rarely making it into the North 22. The Knowle keeper was in good form, and made several good saves from open play and short corners. Finally the first goal came from a clever short corner variation, Phoebe Gibson injected the ball, then received a pass back at the post and she turned the ball into the net.
North’s second goal was all about great determination shown by Brooke Bassett, as she chased down a ball that seemed to be going out and then fired a superb hard hit pass across the face of the goal and Milli Bryant had the simplest of tap ins at the far post.
The second half saw more North pressure, shots saved or fired wide and the third and final goal was similar to the first. This time it was Jane Bennett who injected the ball at a short corner, and then ran in to collect a rebound off the keeper and slot the ball home.
Full time saw fizz and grins, as the team celebrated it most successful season ever.