CAPTAIN Leah Rutter produced a dramatic late penalty save as Swanage & Wareham opened their West Club’s Women’s League campaign in winning fashion against Wimborne Wayfarers.
With the scoreline finely poised at 2-1, goalkeeper Rutter dived to her right to bat away the penalty stroke and hand her team all three points in the East Division clash.
Swans launched attack after attack in the first half and could have been comfortably ahead at half-time.
The home side had to settle for a one-goal lead, however, the effort coming when Jackie Barker’s clearance fell to Liz Lawler, who powered her way into the circle and found Katy Wright, who duly converted.
The second half continued in similar fashion but as time progressed, the visitors became more of a threat on the counter-attack and they eventually levelled following a rapid break.
With player of the match Wright producing some outstanding runs and pinpoint through balls, Swans were repeatedly thwarted by the Wimborne goalkeeper.
And Lawler finally got the crucial second goal before Rutter’s crucial intervention at the other end banked three points for the hosts.
Rutter said: “It was a great team effort and shows the potential for the season ahead.”
Swans: Leah Rutter, Jackie Barker, Ailsa Burt, Jessica Hale, Katie Wright, Amy Lucas, Liz Lawler, Kate Black, Charlotte Grenville-Cleave, Lisa Swan, Jess Ashworth, Olivia Ashworth. Manager: Maria Foot.
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