First Away Match Of The Season

Ilminster traveled to Stoke Gabriel to play Torquay United in their first away game of the season; and having both picked up wins in their opening games this already seemed a big game at this early stage of the season.
Ilminster missing a couple from their opening day win at home against Middlezoy, saw Maisie Parker move to an unfamiliar left back position and Jodi Cornwall come in to start in the number 10; with Leila Salter and Shannon Crouch coming into the squad to provide back up from the bench.

The game started quickly, with a 20 yard volley from Charlie Pettinger in the opening minutes hitting the cross bar, which could have given Ilminster an important early confidence boost if it had dropped in.

The Torquay front line looked busy and full of energy and it didn’t take long for them to work Charlotte Johnson in the Ilminster goal. With the Ilminster defence not settled, the Torquay centre forward forced a good save from CJ. Unfortunately the Ilminster defence were slow to
react, whilst the Torquay winger following in wasn’t; and she put it away to make it 1-0 to Torquay.

Ilminster appeared to lack a little confidence and couldn’t really get a foot hold of the game, then found themselves two behind when a shot from a Torquay player from the corner of the area went through a host of players beating CJ into the far corner.

Ilminster gradually played themselves into the game and started to put Torquay under pressure. It took until the 35th minute to give themselves something to properly fight for when a Jodi Cornwall ball into Colette Martin was taken under control and expertly put past the keeper with a left footed strike.

Ilminster's midfield started to really dominate with Pettinger and Cornwall getting the better of the physical battle and Miller starting to get on the ball. Ilminster's defence looked more assured and Ilminster were a little unlucky going into the break a goal down.

Half time - 2-1

The second half started brightly for Ilminster and Jodi Cornwall in particular seemed to be enjoying the responsibility put on her in the number 10 position for Ilminster; and it was her that got Ilminster level after a 25 yard, right footed strike flew past the keeper and into the top corner.

All square with over half an hour to go.

With both teams creating a few opportunities, neither could make the most of them, to see the game end 2-2.

This was a lively affair right until the end; with a point apiece probably being fair enough result for both teams to take.

Next up, Ilminster face a long away trip to Royal Wootton Bassett - Sunday 19th Sept - 2pm.

SQUAD: Charlotte Johnson, Hannah Billing, Georgia Mann, Samantha Burnham, Maisie Parker, Sarah
Miller (c), Charlie Pettinger, Jodi Cornwall, Abi Meyer, Colette Martin, Abbie Carslake
Subs: Shannon Crouch, Leila Salter, Harriet Kelly, Lauren Paul (not used) Sian Chapman (not used)