For the first time in the team’s history, Team BTC Women’s football team have won a place in the semi-finals of the ECFA National play offs.
On a dark and wet afternoon in Bridgwater, the only shining light was Team BTC’s Women’s Football who triumphed in their national play-off quarter final against Blenheim High School.
BTC started brightly and were quickly rewarded for their fast start when Faith Bedford found room in the box and placed the ball into the closest corner, past the outstretched Blenheim goalkeeper. Team BTC continued to pour forward with the duo of Tia Asker and Keeley Banfield, creating multiple chances from the right hand side. It was Niamh Nicholls who doubled the lead when a misplaced pass from the opposing goalkeeper allowed her to delicately lob the goalkeeper. The bumper crowd were treated to more when Team BTC was awarded a penalty when the in-form Jenna Markham was tripped into the box before converting the resulting penalty and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Blenheim did have their chances and a lapse of concentration allowed them a glorious chance, but the acrobatic save from Ellie Mitchell ensured the ball was tipped over the bar – A contention for save of the season without doubt. The fourth came when Team BTC were awarded a wide free kick and Katie Garratt’s wicked delivery avoided everyone and nestled in the far corner. A wonder goal from Ellie-Mae Bell quickly followed after terrific wing play from Gracie Owen allowed her time and space on the edge of the box, putting Team BTC 5-0 up going into the break.
The rain continued to pour at the start of the second half, which saw the introduction of Megan Davies, who slotted into the controlling midfield well. Team BTC were six up quickly after Faith Bedford created her own bit of room after a corner and whipped the ball into the far top corner. A triple change soon came when Freya Gudge, Taylor Ford and Brooke Stirrup were introduced at the hour mark, but it was Blenheim who got their name on the scoresheet when the ball broke to the midfielder, who managed to beat Ellie Mitchell from distance. The chances of a miraculous comeback where denied just three minutes later when a Katie Garratt corner allowed the towering Sam Cox and Jennie Habbits to enter the box and the latter was there to power home the ball with her head. The game was truly over when Taylor Ford rushed in behind the Blenheim back line and fired the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper with her left foot. The final whistle ensured a Women’s National Playoff Semi-Final for the first time in Bridgwater & Taunton College’s history.
Player of the Match: Katie Garratt
For more information about Team BTC and other enrichment opportunities at the College, visit the Sport at BTC and Student Life pages.
