FA Women's National League: London Bees 4-0 Bridgwater United

DEFEAT in their final game of the season confirmed Bridgwater United Women's relegation from the FA Women's National League.

They went down 4-0 away from home against a London Bees side that was also down the wrong end of the table.

Bridgwater needed to win this match and hope that Plymouth Argyle lost their match against MK Dons in order to survive.

However, Plymouth Argyle were victorious 3-0, so even if Bridgwater won their match against the Bees, relegation would have still been the outcome.

It concludes a tough season for Bridgwater as many of their key players from last season departed for higher level clubs and the remaining squad was filled with young players.

While the young footballers performed well, and highlighted the strength of the Bridgwater United academy and college setup, they were unable to keep the club in the division.

In the final match itself, despite the scoreline, there was chances for both sides to take an early lead.

In the first ten minutes all the action was happening in Bridgwater's front third as they won three corners and forced a few saves.

Ellie Sara in particular up front was causing problems for the Bees defence.

However, on the 15 minute mark, the London side got a go ahead goal when Solow rose highest to head home from close range.

Bridgwater rallied and again enjoyed a decent spell with the ball but unable to create a scoring opportunity from their possession.

In the 28th minute it was 2-0 when another close range header, this time from Davis sent the Bees two goals in front.

Then just five minutes before half time the game was all but finished when Mady Solow scored her second of the game, with another close range header.

Three goals from three headers before the break left Bridgwater with a mountain to climb in the second half.

And they did give it their best effort, pushing further up the pitch in attempt to spark a comeback.

They were given a chance in the 54th minute when Puddlefoot from the Bees was shown a red card for a last player challenge in the box.

A penalty was awarded, and up stepped Sara who saw her shot saved by Hourihan in goal. An opportunity missed.

With the extra player advantage Bridgwater had the ball for large parts of the remaining time in the game but stubborn defence kept them at bay.

And then in the 75th minute, when Bridgwater were pushing high up the pitch, the Bees snagged a fourth goal.

Adebowale made an excellent run into the box before sending a driven shot into the back of the net to seal the three points for Bees.

Next season, Bridgwater United will play in the FA Women's Division One South West competition and will be hoping to bounce straight back.

This Bridgwater side is filled with some very young talent, perhaps the youngest side in the division, and all the players, despite relegation, can hold their heads high.

They have progressed through to the first team quicker than perhaps expected and they all put in 100 per cent when they were wearing the Bridgwater colours.