Three Points On The Road

Report by Craig Stuckey

Ilminster made the long journey to play Royal Wootton Bassett with Sian Chapman back in contention, after sitting on the bench for the opening games of the season due to a knock. They also welcomed full-back Georgia Coward back into the squad having missed the opening two games on holiday.
Ilminster started with the same 11 that started the previous week at Torquay, looking to get back to winning ways and three points on the table.
Ilminster were hoping to get out on the front foot and cause Bassett some problems but this didn’t overly materialise due to a lack of pace in play and a bit of lack of quality. Although Ilminster had the majority of possession, their first good chance came when Charlie Pettinger beat her player and a clever through ball put Jodi Cornwall in on goal, only for the keeper to make a good stop.

It was Cornwall who got Ilminster the lead at the 25 minute mark when a free kick from Colette Martin was hit on the half-volley past the Bassett Keeper.

Ilminster, though relatively in control of the tie, still lacked any real quality across the park on an attacking threat; though a composed defensive display kept the Bassett centre forward, who worked tirelessly all day, at bay.

Half time 1-0 Ilminster

Ilminster started the second half much like the first, having the majority of possession but not overly creating much either. It took until the 65th minute for Ilminster to extend the lead after a delightful cross from Maisie Parker was met superbly on the volley, 12 yards out, by captain Sarah (Miller) Stuckey.

Ilminster finally found a bit more quality and looked a threat and with 10 minutes to go, a drilled corner by Abi Meyer was met with a powerful header into the goal by Charlie Pettinger. 3-0 Ilminster.

Ilminster put gloss on the performance when some good interplay between Harrie Kelly and Sian Chapman found Sian bursting into the box and playing the ball across the goal for the on rushing Abi Meyer to slot home. 4-0 Ilminster.

Ilminster looked in control throughout; and an organised defensive performance, plus four good goals, takes Ilminster into their next fixture - a new local derby with Sherborne Town Ladies, visiting the Archie Gooch Pavilion next Sunday.

Things are looking good for Ilminster, although there is plenty of work to do; with some more quality required if there is to be a real push towards to top end of the table this season.

Final Score - Royal Wootton Bassett Town 0-4 Ilminster Town Ladies

Player of the Match went to Hannah Billing, who played right across the back line during Sundays fixture and put in a strong performance in each position she played.

SQUAD: Charlotte Johnson, Hannah Billing, Georgia Mann, Samantha Burnham, Maisie Parker, Sarah Stuckey (c), Charlie Pettinger, Jodi Cornwall, Abi Meyer, Colette Martin, Abbie Carslake

Subs: Georgia Coward (used), Harriet Kelly (used), Sian Chapman (used)