women rep v wiltshire

Devon FA Women Crowned South West Counties Champions For 2018

Devon FA 2 - 1 Somerset FA

Match Report

South and West Counties Championship Women’s Division

Devon County FA 2 - 1 Somerset FA

Tuesday 4th September 2018

A stoppage time winner on Tuesday evening at County HQ in Devon on Tuesday evening ensured the title was secured.

Devon boss, Roger Bonaparte, had selected his squad of 18 to face a travelling Somerset side looking to cause an upset and make sure the title was still in sight, yet they scuppered to a late Devon goal.

After remaining unbeaten in four games, winning three, our Devon girls were pumped up to win the title for the first time in many years.

It was a quiet start for both teams at Coach Road in Newton Abbot, both sides were trying to find the weakness of the other. 

Devon had a quick break down the right wing which led to a corner. As the ball was wiped in it fell to the feet of Chloe Driscoll, she drilled the ball along the floor straight into the hands of the Somerset keeper (Emily jones). 

The first goal of the night came from Somerset no.9, Phoebe Payton, in the 24th minute. Finding space in the 18 yard box, a calmly placed finish into the Devon goal ensured the away side took the lead after a good moment of pressure.

A relatively quiet first half came to an end.

Five minutes into second half, Devon had a free kick in their own half which is played down the wing to Nia Owen who puts in a cross but is well defended, then takes a deflection of a Devon player to go out for a goal kick. 

A steady attack by Devon, which was a sign of things to come.

Chloe Driscoll breaks through the middle of the field, squaring the ball but well cleared by the Somerset defence. 

Twenty minutes into the second half and finally Devon get their just rewards, as a free kick 10 yards outside the box is taken by Nat Mathews, her screamer hits the midriff of the Somerset keeper allowing Devon no.11 Hannah Dawe to pick up a loose ball inside the 18 yard box and finish it the make it 1-1.

With moments to go it was now or never for Devon. Jordan Davey, Devon’s No 7, put in a spectacular cross from the left hand side, meeting the foot of Brittany Harris who slotted the ball passed the keeper to score. 

A massive second half from Devon ensured they were crowned Women’s South & West Counties Champions for 2018.

As the final whistle blew it was met by a huge round of applause by the supporters, staff and players.

This was a win for the ages and a fully deserved championship win for Devon girls and boss, Roger Bonaparte.

Huge congratulations to all staff, players and volunteers involved in the Devon Rep side.

Commiserations to Somerset FA who were a credit to their County both on and off the field.