The Bees lost away to Bridgwater United – suffering a 1-0 defeat in a hard-fought encounter in the FA Women’s National League. 

 

The hosts started the match quickly and spent the opening spells in the final third as they went in search of an early goal.

 

Daisy Ackerman managed to hook a couple of teasing crosses into the box, which Meesha Dudley-Jones fired wide of the target.

 

The Bees went close in the 28th minute when a free-kick on the left-hand side was fired into the side netting by Meg Wood, though some in the ground had thought it went in. 

 

This was followed by a save from Burgess who managed to steal the ball from Jenna Markham after she had been put clean through on-goal.

 

Ackerman tested Burgess shortly after as she fired a low shot towards the near post that nearly caught the ‘keeper out.

 

Sian Osmond’s side won a corner before the break which was played short to Jade Bell before her delivery into the centre was headed goalwards and caught by the Bridgwater goalkeeper. 

 

In the 54th minute the hosts broke the deadlock when Amy Goddard’s headed effort from a corner was saved before she reacted quickly to knock the rebound in.

 

Midway through the second-half Markham and Potts went through on goal after being found by a through ball.

 

Burgess rushed off her line quickly to smother the chance before Bridgwater were able to get a shot away. 

 

Jenna Markham looked to provide a danger on the edge of the D in the final minutes of the match, her first shot was blocked and the second from the rebound went just wide of the post. 

 

Burgess was called into action in injury time when Holden’s strike from range had to be tipped over the crossbar – leaving the Bees to head back to The Hive London empty-handed.

 

Bridgwater: Beth Howard ©, Holly Chandler, Amy Goddard, Daniella Tyson (Ellie Strippel 56’), Emily Wilton-White, Ffion Llewellyn, Charlotte Buxton, Jenna Markham, Meesha Dudley-Jones, Nicky Potts (Chloe Gilroy 76’), Daisy Ackerman (Laura Holden 56’). Subs (not used): Sydney Hinchcliffe, Bow Jackson.

 

Goals: Goddard (54′).

 

Bees: Shayla Burgess, Caitlin Finnerty, Hannah Porter, Frankie Webster (Catherine Reeves 73’), Parker Dunn, Lauren Heria ©, Millie Constantine, Danielle Carlton, Megan Wood (Chiara Lape 47’), Jade Bell, Jo Wilson.

 

Referee: Simon Laraway.

Attendance: 126.