WATCHET Vikings gained a 9-2 away win over Wembdon Juniors in the Under 12 South section of the Somerset Girls Football League.

Victory enabled Watchet to make sure of finishing runners-up in the division following a splendid season.

Leading the charge was the formidable Piper Hansford, whose dynamic presence on the field saw her net an incredible five goals. With her signature style of cutting in from the left of midfield, each goal seemingly a carbon copy of the last.

Adding to the scoreline was Flo Geary, whose adept finishing saw her slot home a well-taken goal after latching on to a precise through ball. Flo's exceptional header midway through the game further highlighted her prowess on the field, marking a memorable moment in the game. Mike Geary’s cries of delighted surprise could be heard for miles around.

Not to be outdone, Ella Boyles delivered a stunning hat-trick, demonstrating versatility with goals from both her left and right foot. Her final strike was a looping effort that nestled into the top corner, sealing the eventual victory for Watchet at 9-2. Defensively, Watchet exhibited resilience and composure, with Hallie Swaby-Halls and Evie Cooper forming an impenetrable barrier in the first half. Their seamless transitions from defense to attack set the tone for the match, good luck getting past these two by Wembdon. While Fern Skinner made a brave debut in goal, she had a quiet half but contributed to denying Wembdon any chance of scoring.

In midfield, Lily Farrington commanded the centrer with authority as ever, showcasing her ability to control the pace of the game through decisive tackles and intelligent positioning. Grace Mcloughlin impressed in her season’s league debut, seamlessly integrating into the team and working tirelessly on the wing. Despite narrowly missing out on a goal, Pollyanna Szabo showcased her skill and determination, nearly deceiving the opposing keeper, utilising the natural spin on the ball. Additionally, Mia Pipe, Sienna Webber, and Aleigha Smith made valuable contributions to the team's success after coming off the bench. The first half saw Watchet dominate proceedings, racing to an impressive 8-0 lead before halftime. However, in the spirit of fair play, adjustments were made in the second half, allowing Wembdon to bring on an additional player. This led to a more competitive half, with Wembdon managing to find the back of the net twice. A standout moment in the match came from Pollyanna who, now playing in goal with Fern outfield, pulled off a remarkable reflex save to prevent a potential accidental own goal from Lily Farrington's close-range header. Player of the match: Ella Boyles.

Vikings still have one more game to play - away to Wellington Youth Wildcats on Saturday, May 4.