Town Ladies Undefeated At Home

Having suffered two defeats in their last two games, Ilminster were keen to return to winning ways with Torquay visiting the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

A positive start soon rewarded them with an early goal from Abbie Carslake. After some great closing down from Abi Meyer, a throw-in was quickly taken to play Abbie in down the wing. Her cross-come-shot lobbed the keeper and nestled into the back of the net.
1-0 Ilminster

More opportunities followed, including a near post shot from Harrie Kelly and a cross by Jodi Cornwall received on the foot of Abbie Carslake but saved by the Torquay keeper.

Despite the early set back, Torquay quickly grew into the game and their pace and skill was soon troubling the Ilminster defence, resulting in a number of chances. As the pressure from Torquay intensified, central defender Georgia Mann was forced into a challenge, resulting in a penalty. This was smoothly converted by Torquay, to level up the scores at 1-1.

Torquay continued to press Ilminster and with their high intensity of play forced the home team into a number of errors. The opposition pressure was relentless and a misplaced pass in midfield was intercepted by the opponents, who quickly countered and despite the best efforts of Georgia Mann and goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson, managed to slip the ball into the net. The end of the first half couldn’t come soon enough for Ilminster.

Half-time: 2-1 Torquay

The half-time talk had clearly motivated the players as Ilminster were quickly out of the blocks. Abi Meyer, Harrie Kelly and Abbie Carslake (man of the match) all made dangerous runs causing the Torquay defence numerous problems.

In midfield, Sian Chapman and Sarah Stuckey worked well together to take control of the centre of the park. Sarah Stuckey’s arial ability was outstanding, winning every ball in the air.

A revitalised Ilminster were determined to find an equaliser and persistence from Abbie Carslake was rewarded with a goal from a corner delivery by Abi Meyer, levelling the scores at 2-2.

Ilminster continued to dominate the play, producing numerous threats on goal. Although Ilminster were now playing on the front foot, Torquay continued to threaten with a number of shots being expertly dealt with by goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson.

With the clock running down, Abbie Carslake made a penetrating run through the Torquay defence and although her shot was saved by the Torquay keeper, the rebound was slotted home by Abi Meyer to give Ilminster a deserved 3-2 lead.

For the rest of the match Torquay continued to press but an equaliser proved elusive as a resolute Ilminster held on for three points.

This result means that Town have gone unbeaten at home in the league. A brilliant record and the base of Town's league success this season.
They travel to Bideford on Thursday evening to sign off their season - 8pm kick off.

Starting XI - Johnson, Entwistle, Charles, G Mann, Billing, Meyer, Stuckey(c), Pettinger, Cornwall, Kelly, Carslake
Bench - Martin(used), D Mann (used), Chapman (used), Coward (used), Parker (unused)

Report by Ella Entwistle