TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies’ First XI went into their match against close rivals Upminster at Coopers Coburn School knowing it was going to be far from easy.
The game started at a frenetic pace, with both sides having clear chances to open the scoring.
A series of stunning saves by Alison Playle and excellent defensive work by Amy Jones and Laura Blaxland kept Upminster at bay.
However, the home side opened the scoring with a well-worked goal away.
Wells quickly equalised after some exceptional skill from player of the match Becky Bradbury. She drove down the left, then slipped to Jen Hunt, whose shot was saved by the keeper. Nelia Bekker picked up the rebound and swept it towards the left hand post where it was clinically swept past the flailing keeper by Jemma Stephenson.
The momentum stayed with Wells for the rest of the half, but Upminster capitalised on a break and went ahead just before half-time.
Wells upped their game in the second half but could not convert a series of excellent attacks.
Then Perdi Knight intercepted a clearance and drove towards the D, skilfully avoiding all tackles and reverse-striking from an acute angle into the far right corner.
Lifted by this outstanding individual goal, Wells pushed for a winner. They had numerous chances to score but couldn’t quite covert.
Just two minutes before the final whistle, Upminster had a breakaway attack and snatched a last-minute goal, leaving Wells disappointed at the death.
