Kicking off things in the FAWNL Southern this weekend, on form Bridgwater United will host Portsmouth at Fairfax Park. Whilst it is unlikely either team will be promoted, both sides will be looking to finish the season in the highest position they can.
After playing an equal amount of games, Bridgwater currently sit in 4th place on 46 points yet Portsmouth are in 7th with 37 points. In their last four league games United have came out with all 3 points after wins over Crawley, Cardiff, London Bees and Oxford; also drew to Southampton before.
Portsmouth haven’t been in too bad of a form recently either. Their last four league games have seen 3 wins a loss, that loss being to MK Dons at Fratton Park. However when they played them away seven days later they travelled home with a 1-0 win.
In their previous meeting earlier in the season Bridgwater came out as 2-0 winners. Both Meesha Dudley-Jones and Poppy Wilson got on the score sheet. Right before half time Wilson timed her run well and was able to calmly slot the ball past Hannah Haughton. In the 68th minute, Dudley-Jones then sealed the win for United after finding the back of the net.
Bridgwater will be hoping to see another result like the previous meeting whilst Pompey will want to take the 3 points back home to Portsmouth.
On Sunday, both teams are likely to come across players that they didn’t in the reverse fixture. Bridgwater have strengthened their squad since then with Daisy Ackerman, Daniella Tyson, Emily-Wilson White, holly Chandler and Nicky Potts. While Portsmouth have also made some additions to their team with Anaisa Harney, Annie Rolf and Anisha Hill.
Players to watch
Jenna Markham: Although she is only 18, Markham is currently Bridgwater’s top goalscorer with 8 goals for the club throughout this season. Her form in recent games has been great and is certainly one of the club’s best attacking options.
Hannah Haughton: Portsmouth goalkeeper Hannah Haughton is certainly someone to look out for when the two sides meet on Sunday. Not only has she had plenty of clean sheets she is a penalty specialist which is certainly made apparent.
Amy Goddard: There’s no doubt that United’s backline have done substantial amounts of work over the course of the season. Centre-back Amy Goddard has played a great part in that. Not only has she proven to be a vital player to have at the back, but she has also scored six goals for the club this season, the recent one being 2 weeks ago against London Bees.
Cherelle Khassal: Khassal has been a key player for Portsmouth over the course of the season. Her name often pops up on the scoresheet and her goal last Sunday against MK Dons secured the win for Pompey. It doesn’t need to be argued that United will have their work cut out on Sunday!
Bridgwater Under 21’s
Bridgwater’s under 21’s team have also had an interesting season. They travel to face London City Lionesses’ development and only need one point in order to guarantee themselves second place in the league.
