First Team Pick Up Point on Their First Travels

After a dismal pre season that saw Ilminster with  a Caretaker Manager Chris Nezianya in charge after Jason Manley resigned, a daunting tough opening fixture against Bath based Odd Down Reserves who finished 7th in Somerset County Premier Division last season was a real test.

Chris Nezianya brought in the experienced Ex Ilminster boss Darren Manley in to the dugout to help out.

Ilminster started the game nervously as this was a team that has been put together very recently and changes had to be made through injuries and players being unavailable. The nervous start was made worse as Odd Down scored within 2 minutes from kick off with a well taken goal from their centre forward.  

Ilminster then began to grow in confidence and with the outstanding Carl Lazenby leading the line, began creating chances of their own.  Carl Lazenby was unlucky to have a goal disallowed after good build up play due to a handball.

Ilminster's breakthrough came when Luke Paul cleverly intercepted a through ball from the opposition and set up a swift and flowing counter attack involving Brad Pitman, Jack Male and Taylor Jefferson culminating in a deft lob from Andrew Whitefield as the opposition goalkeeper rushed out.

HT 1-1.  

Ilminster started the second half full of confidence and on the front foot as Taylor Jefferson was immediately denied by a brilliant save from the Odd  Down goalkeeper.

With Carl Lazenby pulling the strings and the pace of Taylor Jefferson and Andrew Whitefield Ilminster began to create chance. Jack Male set up Taylor Jefferson who was unlucky to see his shot saved by the Odd Down goalkeeper.   

Odd down then began to come into the game more and Ilminster defended stoically with good performances from the defence and notably Karl Davis who had to deal with a very good Odd Down winger.

Odd Down then took the lead after a goalmouth scramble and their centre forward finished well from close range.  

Undeterred Ilminster pressed on and the introduction of Reserve team top goal scorer from last season Warren Gabbidon who was making his senior debut provided problems for the Odd Down defence with his physical presence and direct running.

This led to Ilminster equalising after good build up play and a good cut back from Andrew Whitefield allowed Captain Johnny May to bundle the ball home from close range.  

Both teams had chances to win the game and Odd Down hit the post with the last kick of the game but overall a draw was the fair result.

Nezianya was delighted with the point and praised all 12 players for a great attitude.

Team
Caspar Paine, Luke Paul, Karl Davies, Adam Male, Jon May (c) , George Miles, Jack Male, Brad Pitman, Andrew Whitefield, Carl Lazenby, Taylor Jefferson.
Sub used Warren Gabbidon for Jack Male.

Next up for Ilminster is the first home game of the season Saturday 19th 3.00pm kick off at the Archie Gooch Pavilion.
Closely followed by the visit of Staplegrove on Wednesday night 6.30pm kick off.