First League Loss For Town

Sunday saw Ilminster travel to Cornwall to play AFC St Austell Ladies. This contest had a great deal at stake, with both sides aiming for 3 points, knowing that the victor would likely become favourite in the race for the title. Earlier in the season the teams played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw, so it was all to play for!

The match started at a high pace, with both teams trying to get on top in the early stages. AFC St Austell tried to get in behind the Ilminster back line on numerous occasions, but in the early stages Ilminster managed this well and didn’t concede any clear chances.

The match continued in a similar fashion throughout the first half, with neither team forcing either goalkeeper into a save. But it was in the 41st minute when the game turned. The hosts made their way into the Ilminster area and a challenge made by defender Samantha Burnham saw a penalty given by the referee; which was confidently dispatched by the St Austell player into the top right corner of the goal.

Ilminster headed into the half time break 1-0 behind; with plenty of work to do in the second half if they wanted to keep their unbeaten league run going.

A change was made at the break, with the coaching team trying to get Colette Martin further up the field, to try and influence the game in an attacking sense; after a good 45 minutes in an unfamiliar right back role. To allow for this Harriet Kelly was replaced by defender Hannah Billing.

The second half continued in the same way as the first, with neither team being able to create clear opportunities on goal, however it was the hosts who looked the more threatening of the two teams.

This showed in the 58th minute, after a spell of pressure on the Ilminster back line; the ball found its way to the edge of the box, the St Austell midfielder fired the ball goalwards, forcing Charlotte Johnson in goal into a good finger tip save onto the cross bar, landing awkwardly from this save, Ilminster's shot stopper wasn’t able to get herself into position to fully get behind the follow up strike, which found its way into the back of the net.

The hosts continued their period of pressure and increased their advantage in the 62nd minute. A good piece of play down their right hand side saw their winger get in behind the back four, producing a good pull back into the centre of the goal, putting the ball on a plate for the goal scorer inside the 6 yard box. A well worked goal; putting the hosts 3-0 ahead.

Ilminster tried to get back into the game, creating a few chances, but they just couldn’t make these chances count, and weren’t able to force the St Austell goalkeeper into a save.

Sadly the game finished 3-0 to the hosts. Ending the unbeaten league run for the Blues. All is not lost though with 3 league games left for Town, they are sitting top of the league; although St Austell have got 2 games in hand, sitting 5 points behind!
Next Sunday Ilminster are on the road again, this time travelling to Forest Green Rovers.

Starting 11: Charlotte Johnson, Colette Martin, Samantha Burnham, Georgia Mann, Maisie Parker, Sarah Stuckey (C), Charlie Pettinger, Abi Meyer, Abbie Carslake, Hariet Kelly, Jodi Cornwall

Substitutes: Hannah Billing, Graziely Esperanca, Darcey Mann, Ella Entwistle