Battling Ilminster Town Ladies exit Somerset County Cup

Somerset County Cup Semi-Final action saw Ilminster Town Ladies, the lowest ranked side left in the competition, travel away to Larkhall Athletic of the Women's National League.

This was Ilminster's first competitive match of 2022, also their first since a 4-1 league victory at home to Royal Wootton Bassett on December 5th.

It was the home side of Larkhall who struck first after just six minutes through their Robbins. After a lively start from the forward, who had already seen an attempt saved well by Ilminster keeper Charlotte Johnson, she found herself one-on-one and finished well leaving Johnson with little chance.

Not to be deterred by going a goal down to higher league opposition, Ilminster struck back instantly just a minute later. Abi Meyer was released down the right wing, and put an expert cross into the box which was finished well by striker Abbie Carslake from close range to make it one goal a piece.

With the match continuing at a frantic pace, further chances for the home side were kept at bay by the blues defence and keeper. However in the 20th minute, Ilminster Left-back Maisie Parker suffered an injury after a brave block to deny Larkhall a shooting opportunity. She was replaced by Sam Burnham, with Hannah Billing moving to cover at Full-back. As the away side attempted to settle, Larkhall forward Robbins was released after a set-piece and found herself baring down on goal, before Billing was adjudged to have fouled the forward and was shown a straight red card for a professional foul, conceding a penalty in the process. Lydia Newton stepped up and converted the penalty to give Larkhall a goal advantage once more, in addition to their 11 to 10 player advantage for the remaining 70 minutes.

Despite facing adversity, Ilminster showed resilience to dig deep, work hard, and settle into a change of shape, not only keeping the National League side at bay, but managing to get forward and create opportunities themselves. In the 40th minute the away side's hard work was rewarded. Harrie Kelly chasing onto a ball forward was clearly fouled inside the box by a Larkhall defender and won a penalty, with the referee deciding a yellow was sufficient punishment for this penalty offence. Abbie Carslake made no mistake from the spot for her 2nd goal of the game and 12th goal of the season, to send the sides in at half time tied 2-2.

The 2nd half saw Ilminster maintain the discipline and work rate they ended the 1st with. Substitute Jodi Cornwall, on for Carslake, was involved soon after coming on seeing a good cross flash across goal and a shot from distance wide of goal.

Larkhall with their numerical advantage pushed forward but were kept at bay by a makeshift backline for the opening 15 minutes of the half, however the home side once again found themselves in front. Robbins finishing one on one to make it 3-2.

Ilminster showed no signs of giving in, and for the remaining 30 minutes remained very much in the match. Cornwall with an effort narrowly hitting the side netting, before another cross just evaded Substitute Lanny Hole. Pushing more numbers forward in the final 10 minutes, chances once again fell to the away side, but Larkhall's goalkeeper was equal to them. A scramble in the box following a set piece with just minutes remaining was collected by the goalkeeper after initialling dropping the ball with two Ilminster players baring down on her.

Despite the battling performance, the match finished 3-2 with Ilminster falling just short in their efforts to reach the Somerset County Cup final. The ladies however walk away with their heads held high after proving they can more than match opposition in the league above them, and attention now turns back to reaching that league through promotion this season.

Player of the Match - Harrie Kelly
Goals - Abbie Carslake X 2