Abingdon United battled well against Bridgwater United in Somerset, to take home all three points in a 1-0 win at Fairfax Park.

Six players made their debut in front of a crowd of 131. Georgia Hayes and Millie Hodge were both announced ahead of the game and made their first appearance for the Club, whilst summer signings Kara Howes, Caitlin Crierie, Megan Young and Anais Harris-Beechers also took to the field in an Abingdon shirt for the first time.

The visitors had to soak up early pressure, with Bridgwater looking to get on the front foot in the opening stages.

Caitlin Crierie had to be alert to deal with a high press, before Libby Gilmore headed clear from a corner kick in from the left.

Jess Smith’s free-kick for the hosts went narrowly wide after a good left-footed effort, as Abingdon continued to deal with the early pressure.

However, deal with it they did and Paul Corrie’s side eventually began to create their own chances.

A good ball down the left by Harris-Beechers found Molly Lygo, but her cut back across goal couldn’t find a yellow shirt.

New signing Hayes had a good start to the game. Having already contributed heavily defensively, she also found space in the final third down the right on a few occasions.

The first big chance of the game for Abingdon fell to Erin Hartigan. A mix up at the back after a good press by Hartigan led to a volley from the forward, but it just went over the bar.

However, with just five minutes left of the half to play, Abingdon went ahead.

A loose ball in the final third was picked up by Mimi Hodges, and she blasted her effort into the top right corner to give United an important lead in Somerset.

After bright start to the second half for Abingdon, Bridgwater responded well. A close range effort was well saved by Crierie at her near post, before a dangerous ball into the area couldn’t find a Bridgwater attacker.

Lygo continued to cause problems for Bridgwater in the second half. The winger did well to win a few corners for Corrie’s side, helping to relieve the pressure.

The hosts piled on the pressure with just minutes remaining. Megan Young did well to press high in the closing stages, ensuring Bridgwater struggled to get out of their half.

A late one-on-one save from Crierie topped off an incredible performance from Abingdon, who took all three points on the opening day of the FA Women’s National League season.

Yesterday's Player of the Match was midfielder Freya Gilmore, who has been sponsored this season by CAIRA Property & Facilities Solutions Ltd.