PORLOCK Ladies gained revenge for a 1-0 cup defeat last month with a 4-3 away victory over Combe St Nicholas in a crucial match in Division Three South of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

It enabled the West Somerset side to move up to join Combe in joint second spot in the division, both teams having the same number of points and also goal difference.

It proved to be another close encounter between these two evenly matched sides with the result in doubt until the very end.

Porlock travelled with a strong squad, keen to earn another three points. Playing uphill in the first half, it was Porlock’s determination to chase and pressure Combe that paid early dividends, with first Chloe and shortly afterwards Sarah taking shots that resulted in two own goals.

Somewhat, bizarrely, the third goal of the afternoon was also an own goal, this time Combe benefitting from an unfortunate bobble as Hannah tried to clear a back pass resulting in a 2-1 lead for Porlock at the interval.

The second half was full of ‘proper’ goals. Combe equalised when, in a carbon copy of the cup match, they poked the ball home from short range after a corner.

Porlock kept pressing forwards and were rewarded when Aimee finally managed to get a shot on target, shooting low into the corner from the edge of the box.

Later on, the visitors had to make a defensive reshuffle due to an unfortunate injury, and during this time Combe’s captain, who had a fine match, was able to find some space in the penalty box and scored from the left side of the box to level the scores at 3-3.

With both sides tiring despite the availability of subs, Porlock’s quality made the difference with a fine passing move turning defence into attack. With a string of accurate passes between several players, the ball ended up at Chloe’s feet and she showed great composure to slot the ball home for a 4-3 lead.

The last five minutes were very nervy as Combe continued to search for the equaliser, but Porlock’s defence held firm for a thoroughly well deserved 4-3 victory.

The whole Porlock team played well, with passages of nice passing and plenty of encouragement for each other. A total of nine players received nominations for player of the match, but it was Rhiannon and Jess who shared the honours.

Meanwhile, Staplegrove top the table with 31 points from their 12 matches. Porlock and Combe are ten points adrift but the West Somerset outfit have three matches in hand on the leaders.

Porlock are away to Wellington Ladies, who are lying sixth, in a league game on Sunday, February 9.