Reserves Share The Points

This Sunday saw Ilminster host the league leaders Bishops Lydeard; the visitors only just managed to win the game earlier in the season against Town.

The Ilminster squad was looking strong for this game with sisters Dana & Kelly Andrews coming into the side to boost the defensive options; Tia Shoemark coming into the midfield and Shannon Crouch made her return to the side; although a couple of Towns players were still missing through Injury.

The first half was a very even affair with both sides trying to break the deadlock, but both defences were standing strong, and the Town shot stopper Izzy Rudkin was making sure that nothing got past her in the early goings of the match.

The teams went into the halftime break all square with neither side able to make a breakthrough.

The second half saw Ilminster bring on Shannon Crouch; who added the additional attacking threat that Ilminster were looking for.

It was the visitors who got themselves ahead in the game. Following a foul just outside the area, the Bishops Lydeard attacker saw her opportunity to score. Directly from the free kick the Lydeard attacker found the top right hand side of the goal, leaving Rudkin in goal no chance. A great finish.

Ilminster didn't let this goal dampen their spirits with all the team working hard to try and get the game back level. Coupled with the back 4 defending valiantly throughout the game; and Rudkin making a brilliant reaction save.

Ilminster did find their well deserved equaliser in the match; in the final minute of the game! Bishops Lydeard had just created a good chance, but Izzy Rudkin came out well and saved the strike from the attack, the ball fell into the Ilminster midfield, and found its way to Kelly Andrews, who played an excellent ball over the top, and Shannon Crouch read the game brilliantly to work herself into some space behind the defence, and run onto the ball. Keeping her cool, Shannon got into the area and calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner. A great finish!

Ilminster were delighted to get back into the game in the final minutes of the game; and took a very well deserved point from the game, against the league leaders!

The whole squad's performance was recognised in this one; as everybody received the honours for player of the game!

After the Christmas break, Ilminster's first game pack they will host Burnham Ladies; on the 9th January, with a 14:00 kick off at the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

Starting 11: Izzy Rudkin, Kelly Andrews, Beth Scotland, Dana Andrews, Holly Rogers, Shell Lawrence, Lesley Spearing (C), Tia Shoemark, Kitty Knight, Phoebe Lush, Marie Denley

Substitutes: Chloe Park, Shannon Crouch

Sam Clarke - Ilminster Town Ladies Reserves Manager