Town Remain On Top

Ilminster travelled to Lydeard for the second time this season, having previously been there back in October in County Cup action. Ilminster were successful that day as they were earlier this year when hosting Lydeard at the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

On both occasions this season though, the form book has gone out the window as this local derby always provides an entertaining affair, especially since both teams have plied their trade in the South West Premier Division for several seasons.

Table topping Ilminster required a win to carry the momentum forward, in the knowledge down in Devon there was a big league game going on between Torquay and St Austell, before they themselves make the long trip to St Austell next weekend.

Ilminster were cagey from the start unable to get a foot hold in the game and the momentum was certainly with Bishops Lydeard who really went at Ilminster for the first 45 minutes.

Ilminster created several good opportunities but some good goalkeeping from the Lydeard keeper kept Ilminster at bay.

Lydeard in stages pegged Ilminster back and if it wasn’t for a fantastic covering challenge from Georgia Coward Ilminster could of been behind.

Ilminster's undoubted hero of the day though was Charlotte Johnson in goal, with a couple one on ones with a Lydeard centre forward she came out on top with a series of fantastic saves.

Somehow the game got to half time 0-0.

Ilminster started the second have fairly brightly with a change at centre half which saw the introduction of Sam Burnham along side Georgia Mann, but it was actually Lydeard who again had the momentum and when they got their next opportunity early in the second half they took it, 1-0 Lydeard.

Ilminster’s cause was not helped further with an injury to another centre half. This time Georgia Mann needed to be replaced, with her sister Darcey coming on to take her place and make her debut for the club, this meant a little reshuffle and Georgia Coward Ilminster’s ever reliable right back slotting in at centre half with Sam Burnham.

The goal seemed to inspire town, they started to get on the front foot and take the game to their lively opposition and within minutes of conceding found themselves with a corner. With the desire of the team being discussed at half time it was the sub Sam Burnham who showed most when a corner to the back post was met superbly and powerfully, Ilminster back on level terms.

This really swung the game Ilminster’s way, even though Lydeard now started to find their opportunities to go at Ilminster reduced they still provided a big threat and if it wasn’t again for more heroics from Charlotte Johnson who provided one save that no one in the ground was sure how it stayed out they could have still got themselves back in front.

Ilminster were now creating and starting to cause some panic in the Lydeard team, a couple more corners, a couple of shots - it was all building the pressure. The moment finally came with around 15 minutes to go, substitute Abbie Carslake took a shot from the corner of the 18 yard box which bounced just in front of the Lydeard keeper who had impressed all afternoon, but this time she could only parry the shot and it fell kindly for the on rushing Abi Meyer to calmly slot home.

2-1 Ilminster.

The goal really took the enthusiasm away from Lydeard and even though there was still time for a few attacks for either side Ilminster were able to see the game out to take another victory and remain top of the league.

Bishops Lydeard certainly did their homework on Ilminster but even when not playing well and unable to get a foothold in the game, Ilminster really showed some resilience in this one. A special mention to Georgia Coward for adapting so well at centre half but Man of The Match was unanimously won by goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson, with some fantastic saves throughout, she really showed her quality in this one to keep up Ilminster’s impressive form.

Ilminster next week travel to St Austell in the league 2pm Kick Off.

Squad:
Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Hannah Billing, Georgia Mann, Maisie Parker, Sarah Stuckey(c), Charlie Pettinger, Colette Martin, Abi Meyer, Sian Chapman, Jodi Cornwall
Subs: Sam Burnham, Darcey Mann, Harrie Kelly, Abbie Carslake (all used) Ella Entwistle (unused)