Moneyfields got back to winning ways in their return to league action, claiming a comfortable 3–0 victory over Maidenhead United in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West at the John Jenkins Stadium.

The win keeps the Moneys in second place, ahead of Bristol Rovers on goal difference, while leaders Swindon Town remain just two points clear at the top.

First-half goals from Daisy Beard and Meg Fox — her sixth of the season — put Karl Watson’s side in control before captain Ali Hall sealed the points with a superb strike from distance midway through the second half.

It was also a memorable day for 17-year-old Aime Chiddle, who made her first-team debut after impressing over two seasons in James Jenkins’ reserve side.

Watson made two changes from the team that exited the Adobe FA Women’s Cup last weekend, with Bekah Tonks and Daisy Beard coming into the starting XI for Dream Surin and Tierney Scott.

The hosts began brightly, creating several early chances before taking the lead in the 18th minute when Meg Fox smashed home a low free-kick from just outside the box.

Moneyfields continued to press and came close to doubling their advantage when Beard’s long-range effort forced a fine save from Kody Cornish, tipping the ball wide for a corner.

Their persistence paid off shortly before the interval as Beard reacted quickest inside the area to tap home and make it 2–0 going into half-time.

Beard was replaced by Tierney Scott after the break, with the winger immediately posing a threat down the left flank. The Moneys’ pressure told again in the 65th minute when skipper Ali Hall lofted a precise finish over Cornish to extend the lead to three.

The visitors had chances to respond, most notably through Aaliyah Charles, but her effort drifted wide of Mia King’s goal.

Watson took the opportunity to rest several key players, bringing off Fox for Britt Jeal and later handing a debut to Aime Chiddle, who replaced Gemma Simmonds for the final minutes.

There was nearly a fourth in stoppage time as Shannon Albuery’s strike clipped the outside of the post.

A strong team performance sees Moneyfields continue their title push, with confidence restored heading into the next round of fixtures.

Moneyfields XI: King (GK), Tonks, Granger, Howden, Venditto, Simmonds (Chiddle 85’), Fox (Jeal 78’), Hall (C), Burgess, Beard (Scott 65’), Albuery
Unused subs: Haughton (GK), Hooker, Watson, Waddingham
Goals: Fox 18’, Beard 40’, Hall 65’
Manager: Karl Watson

Maidenhead United: Cornish (GK), Vince, Webb, McKeever, Evans, Akerman, Charles, O’Brien (C), Harper, Chapman
Subs: Evans, Sparrow, Dover, Mayani, Cipriano, Stockton
Manager: Dave Kitson

Venue: John Jenkins Stadium