Somerset Cup Win For The Ladies Firsts

Ilminster arrived in Bishops Lydeard having made a couple of changes to the previous week’s line up. Sian Chapman was installed into the starting line up with Jodi Cornwall moving into the number 9 position. Ilminster had Harrie Kelly and Dana Andrews on the bench with Colette Martin still unwell; and Hannah Billing injured and not available for selection.

The game started with Ilminster having a lot of possession, moving the ball around well but unfortunately not able to create much more than a couple of half chances; the best when a Cornwall strike hit the post and rolled back right across the goal line.

The Ilminster defence didn’t have lots to deal with, having lots of possession and sending several probing balls into the Lydeard final third; which were not quite being made anything of by the Ilminster forwards.

Lydeard's organisation was causing Ilminster problems and proving very difficult to break down. Lydeard did cause Ilminster a couple of issues as they grew in confidence, with Ilminster frustrated at not being able to find the final part of the jigsaw and get themselves a goal.

HALF TIME - Bishops Lydeard 0 - 0 Ilminster

With Ilminster going down the hill the second half it was a real opportunity to pen Lydeard in. Ilminster finally broke the dead lock with some great play through the team; and good movement by Chapman, found her drifting into the Lydeard 18 yard box holding off the attention of a couple of defenders to calmly slot home.

1 – 0 ILMINSTER

Ilminster continued to be frustrated by Lydeard, with Lydeard getting forward more and more. However, Ilminster found a second through Cornwall, when some good play around the box and with Lydeard unable to clear, Abi Meyer's short pass found Cornwall to smash home.

2 – 0 ILMINSTER

Lydeard did have an opportunity to get themselves back into the game when the Lydeard forward got in behind the Ilminster back line and a coming together between the forward and Johnson in the Ilminster goal resulted in a penalty. Fortunately for Ilminster the penalty was dragged wide by the Lydeard penalty taker.

Ilminster had several good opportunities to increase their lead; notably captain Sarah Stuckey breaking the back line with a run and being picked out by Maisie Parker, only to see her shot creep wide.

Final Score - Bishops Lydeard 0 - 2 Ilminster Town Ladies

SQUAD: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Samantha Burnham, Georgia Mann, Maisie Parker, Sarah Stuckey (c), Charlie Pettinger,
Jodi Cornwall, Abi Meyer, Sian Chapman, Abbie Carslake

Subs: Dana Andrews (USED), Harrie Kelly (USED)

A testing afternoon for Ilminster. Although having a lot of possession ,it was a different challenge against the well organised and disciplined Bishops Lydeard side. Ilminster were deserving of their win and progress into the next round.

Player of the Match for Ilminster was Georgia Coward who got forward well from right back and supported winger Abi Meyer in front of her, putting in some good crosses and always being an option to receive the ball at right back.

ILMINSTER ARE BACK TO FA CUP ACTION NEXT SUNDAY AS THEY TRAVEL TO BRISTOL LADIES UNION IN THE FA CUP - 2PM KICK OFF

SQUAD: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Samantha Burnham, Georgia Mann, Maisie Parker, Sarah Stuckey (c), Charlie Pettinger,
Jodi Cornwall, Abi Meyer, Sian Chapman, Abbie Carslake

Subs: Dana Andrews (USED), Harrie Kelly (USED)