Bridgwater United Women through to Somerset Cup final

AFTER what was a fairly one-sided affair, Bridgwater United Women have advanced through to the final of the Somerset Women's Senior Cup.

Helped by a true captain's contribution as Leah Burridge scored a hattrick, with Meesha Dudley-Jones collecting the other goal n the 4-0 win.

Acting manager Adam Murry said reaching the final of this competition is a great achievement for the women.

"It is a really proud day for us, as it marks ten years since the club was last in the final of this competition.

"It is a reward for the commitment, application and performances the team have produced on the pitch and everyone's efforts off the pitch as a one club mentality.

"We are really starting to look like the outfit we know we should be."

Due to the main pitch at Fairfax Park needing a break from all the action, this match was played on the 3G pitch at Bridgwater & Taunton College and was behind closed doors.

It took just 13 minutes for Bridgwater to take the lead in the match when Emily Wilson-White delivered a pinpoint corner that Leah Burridge headed home from the near post.

There were plenty more chances for Bridgwater to score in the first half and you could see they had been working on ways to break down an opposition defence.

It ended 1-0 at half time but there was a clear gulf in quality between the two sides.

In the second period, Bridgwater made their opposition pay and were far more decisive in front of goal.

On the 51st minute mark, Ellie Strippel made a dashing run down the wing before cutting back to Meesha Dudley-Jones on the six yard line and she dinked it over the keeper to make it 2-0.

Bridgwater kept pushing further forward and in the 60th minute, Wilson-White placed the ball perfectly in the path of Burridge on the edge of the box for her to slam home and the game was all but over.

There was another goal, this time from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute and Burridge kept her cool to complete her hattrick and put Bridgwater four goals in front.

Watching on, it is clear to see an improvement in quality from this Bridgwater side in a short space of time and Adam Murry said it is helped by depth.

"There is true depth and competition for places in the squad now and that is so important in the second half of the season for us."

Bridgwater United Women are in action once again at home at the weekend, this time they welcome MK Dons in the FA Women's National League, kick off is 2pm on Sunday.