Ilminster Stay Top Of The League

Ilminster faced Forest Green Rovers at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on Sunday, with the earlier kick off of 1pm.

Ilminster were again without Colette Martin, also missing the usually ever present Abbie Carslake; both through sickness. A squad of 13 were available to welcome the promoted Rovers.

An opening 30 minutes blitz from town pretty much had the game over before half time. Ilminster were moving the ball around well and a well worked first goal which saw Harrie Kelly smash home to set Ilminster on their way.

It was followed by a brace by Abi Meyer; whose second included a fantastic turn leaving the Forest Green centre half stranded, followed by a calm finish. Ilminster were moving the ball around nicely all over the pitch and the icing on the cake for the opening 30 minutes finished with a free kick delivered by Sian Chapman being met by Jodi Cornwall to expertly head home.

From this point though, Ilminster seemed to let the foot off the gas feeling the job was maybe complete. Rovers edged their way back into the game and gave Ilminster some food for thought going into the half time break.

Half Time 4 – 0

With one change at half time Ilminster introduced Sam Burnham to the back line.

Straight from the off a different Rovers turned up, much more determined than the first half and putting Ilminster under pressure; their work rate led to two quick goals leaving Ilminster shocked.

Ilminster’s cause was further hindered with centre half Georgia Mann picking up an injury which led to her having to be subbed, however the break in play allowed Ilminster to calm down and settle some nerves which were creeping in.

From this Ilminster regained a foothold and when Harrie Kelly was brought down in the box, Sian Chapman slotted the penalty away and any hope for a Rovers return were over.

FULL TIME: Ilminster 5 – 2 Forest Green Rovers

Ilminster were disappointed at the way they let Forest Green back into the game and shows the mentality of the players at the moment; not being happy despite the result. Some of the football played and goals scored were a real credit to this group of players who are taking steps forward together each week.

Player of the Match was Charlie Pettinger, who put a string of decent performances together for a whole 90 minutes, with a great appetite and desire in the midfield, making a host a good recovery runs and also being a catalyst for a lot of Ilminster’s good football through midfield.

ILMINSTER NEXT WEEK ARE BACK IN FA CUP ACTION AS THEY MAKE CLUB HISTORY BY BEING IN THE FIRST ROUND PROPER OF THE WOMENS FA CUP, IT IS ONCE AGAIN A 1PM KICK OFF AT THE ARCHIE GOOCH PAVILION

SQUAD: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Georgia Mann, Hannah Billing, Maisie Parker, Charlie Pettinger, Sarah Stuckey (C), Jodi Cornwall, Abi Meyer, Sian Chapman, Harrie Kelly
Subs: Sam Burnham (USED), Lauren Paul (USED)