Swindon Town

SWINDON TOWN - 1
LARKHALL ATHLETIC - 3

Swindon Town lost their first game of the season when they were beaten by three goals to one at home to Larkhall Athletic in the FA Women’s Premier League Division One South West, writes Roger Reeves.

The Town fell behind in the 6th minute when Liz Barratt found space through Swindon’s defence to score with a low drive. The Town were having difficulty in getting their game together and fell further behind in the 28th minute when Kelly Cripps scored with a 25 yards drive. The Town pushed forward but were unable to break through the well drilled visitor’s defence. Meg Vella did go close with a long lob but, with the 'keeper beaten, the ball was scrambled away. Just before the break the Town were awarded a penalty but Lisa Coe’s kick rebound to safety off the cross bar.

The Town started the second half brighter but still could not break through the Athletic defence. In the 65th minute Larkhall grabbed a third when Kate German scored from distance. Swindon were having little joy going forward but did get a consolation goal in the 80th minute when Beth Thompson was brought down in the box and scored from the resulting penalty.

A disappointing performance and three valuable points dropped.