By Megan Jenkins
The University of Bath women’s 1sts secured a 5-3 league win against USW 1sts despite being reduced to 10 players for much of the second half.
Goalkeeper Alex Stott was red-carded in the 55th minute for handling the ball outside the box. With no substitute stopper, Bath outfield player Amy Wright deputised – and the visitors saw out the victory.
USW’s Ffion Simmonds opening the scoring in the seventh minute after a well-timed finish.
But Bath were level three minutes later when Wright was on target with a solid strike.
Grace Purnell gave the hosts the lead again in the 19th minute – only for Bath’s attack to explode into life.
The away side visitors dominated the latter stages of the first half, scoring four goals in just five minutes to stun USW.
Dalia Fraga Martinez equalised in the 28th minute before Robyn Prince and Ella Ashley scored in quick succession. Emma Vilday added a fifth just two minutes later as Bath’s initial free-kick was deflected.
Bath remained in possession the remainder of the first half with Wright hitting the post from a free-kick in the 37th minute, and Simmonds deflecting another dangerous set-piece away just before half-time.
USW were briefly down to 10 players at the beginning of the second half as Simmonds received treatment off the pitch.
Stott’s dismissal raised USW hopes of a comeback.
But while USW captain Caitlin Seaborne pulled a goal back in the 65th minute after a composed one-on-one finish, and went close again in the 87th minute, it wasn’t enough.