YEOVIL Town Ladies claimed their first point as a Women's Super League 1 side, ending their Spring Series campaign with a 0-0 draw at FA Cup finalists Birmingham City Ladies.

Having lost 2-1 to Sunderland in their final home match of the series (in Bridgwater), the Lady Glovers travelled to Solihull Moors in Birmingham.

The hosts' Coral Haines struck the bar twice in the opening 10 minutes, before Yeovil hit the post themselves – Blues defender Meaghan Sargeant hitting the ball against Nicola Cousins, and being relieved to see it come away off the woodwork.

Yeovil goalkeeper Megan Walsh did well to foil Emily Westwood, while Freda Ayisi, Andrine Hegerberg and Rachel Williams missed further chances for the Blues.

The Lady Glovers fought hard and survived the pressure, to finally earn reward for their efforts in what has been a steep learning curve in the top flight.

***

YEOVIL have been busy off the pitch too, with goalkeeper Beth Howard returning to the club after spending four years at Rider University, New Jersey.

She graduated two weeks ago with a major in history and a minor in French, and was eager to return to training with the Lady Glovers soon after landing back in England.

The 22-year-old played for Yeovil, her hometown club, in the 2012/13 season as they came third in the FA Women's Southern Premier League.

Prior to her time in the USA, Howard studied at Bridgwater & Taunton College – earning selection for the 2013 England Colleges team.

***

Bridgwater Mercury:

SIGNED UP: Sam Reilly, of Bridgwater & Taunton College, with Megan Robinson.

BRIDGWATER & Taunton College, as educational partner of Yeovil Town Ladies, has welcomed Year 11 pupil Megan Robinson to its elite performance programme.

Robinson has been playing for the Lady Glovers' Under-16s this season, has represented the South West of England and is on the England Talent Pathway with the Somerset FA Advanced Coaching Centre.

The 16-year-old scored 44 goals this season for her club and has been awarded the top goalscorer award for the past three years, while she has also notched 22 goals for Somerset.

She attended Yeovil's match with Sunderland at Fairfax Park last Sunday, and was one of several young talents to sign up to the programme, committing her future to both college and club.

From September 2017 she will be able to study while training for 13 hours or more per week, with the help of a sports scholarship from the college.

Robinson will play alongside international calibre players in the highest division of college football (Category One Elite League).

For more information on the opportunities available for women's footballers in the area, email talent@yeoviltownladies.com or click here.