Borough Ladies clinch promotion in Cowplain win

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH YOUTH LADIES RESERVES clinched an “outstanding promotion” from the Hampshire County Women’s Football League (Division Four) as they hosted Cowplain Ladies at Bridgemary School on Sunday afternoon; where they came out four-two victors following a determined “all-round” performance despite soaring hot temperatures.

The home team dominated the early exchanges on the artificial pitch and were ahead within nineteen minutes, Sammy Mcilroy’s low effort bobbling past the Cowplain’s goalkeeper’s dive into the bottom left corner. And they quickly doubled their lead when a delivery was bundled into an empty goal by Bobbie Davies beyond the two defenders on the goalline.

In response Cowplain had a steady period of possession after the water break and saw a skidded shot drag harmlessly off target just after the half hour mark; their right back recovering quickly to stop a flowing break moments later. But this away defence were unable to deny the third goal as Charlie Wynne collected a pass and drilled home before the break.

Cowplain were the better team upon the restart and took advantage of a breeze on forty-seven minutes when a curling ball landed kindly to the feet of Jenn, who blasted home a neat high finish for 3-1. However the hosts were still proving a threat and Orla Marie should have made it four-one with a spinning shot on the turn that was gathered by the keeper.

Substitutions followed for Cowplain and they were unlucky to have a fine attempt denied by the Gosport keeper, but all dreams of a ‘comeback’ were ended when Orla Marie scored on the rebound after a brilliant parry high into the air. The visitors did get a second on 85 minutes as Amy Cooke calmly converted into the net; the goal proving too little, too late.

These three points mean that Borough have guaranteed themselves second place behind Andover Town, who do have three games in hand and need just 1 point to earn the ‘title’ outright. Meanwhile Borough have lost just two games from their eighteen fixtures and end with 38 points; which includes eleven victories and five stalemates for a good campaign.

PICTURED BY GOSPORT BOROUGH YOUTH LADIES RESERVES: Champagne is popped in this home celebration.