Debutant Piper applies the gloss to crucial win

Canterbury Ladies

Canterbury Ladies secured a top-three place and moved within a point of top spot in Investec National Premier Division with a 2- 0 win over Clifton on Saturday.

The city club were missing some key players and handed a debut to youngster Lauren Piper but the hosts made the brighter start and broke the deadlock when a deflection off the keeper fell to Alice Brown to volley home.

The Bristol-based visitors – fighting for a play-off spot themselves – pushed forward and created several chances, although the green and white defence held firm.

It was Canterbury who were most clinical after the break and Brown crossed for Piper to tap home on her debut to double the advantage.

Both teams wasted chances after that – Clifton keeping out a string of short corners – but there were no further goals.

The 2nds remain second in East League Division 1 South after a 1-1 draw against Holcombe 1A.

The city club piled on early pressure and drives by forwards Vicky O’sullivan and Alice Brett led to several short corners but they were unable to capitalise on the chances.

Canterbury continued to keep the intensity high, with Mary Flint and Katie Williams working tirelessly through the midfield and asking questions of the Holcombe defence but the score at half-time was 0- 0.

In the second half, after patient distribution of the ball across the pitch by defenders Laura Buttimer, Alex Hooker and man-of-the-match Sioned Fox, a short corner was deflected to Sophie Brigg who was able to beat the keeper and break the deadlock.

Canterbury continued to dominate, looking dangerous but never quite managing to convert their chances while Holcs drew several saves from keeper Becca Smith before they broke in the final 10 minutes to pass through the defence and snatch a share of the points.

The 2As suffered a 3-2 defeat against East London in Division 2 South East while the 3rds suffered a 5- 0 reverse at title-chasing Gore Court in Kent League, Premier Division with four goals coming in the second-half.

Pippa Griffiths did beat the keeper after the break but saw her shot cleared off the line by a defender as much-changed Canterbury battled to the end.

The 3As went down 3-1 against fellow strugglers Gore Court 2nds in Division 2.