Extra Time Loss For Ladies In The Fa Cup Despite A Gutsy Performance

This Sunday saw Ilminster host Portsmouth based Moneyfields FC Ladies; in the First Qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Ilminster welcomed two full first team debutants to the side for the fixture; with Georgia Mann coming into the side to start at right back, and Nicola Johnson who came through Ilminster’s youth set up. Katie Martin was also called up to the squad from the reserves.

It was also a special day for the Girls of the Future at Ilminster, with the Ilminster Wildcats being the mascots for the day, leading the Ladies out onto the pitch; and even having a game at Half Time! We thank all involved

Moneyfields came flying out the blocks, forcing Ilminster Goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson into a save within the first two minutes of the match; and they continued this pressure throughout the opening 10 minutes of the game. Ilminster did manage to launch a couple of attacks of their own, creating a few half chances in the process.

However, it was Ilminster who struck first, with a goal in the 27th Minute from Captain Sarah Miller. A great delivery into the area saw the goalkeeper spill the ball due to pressure from an Ilminster player, Sarah Miller was on hand to finish calmly to strike the ball home! 1-0 Ilminster!

Moneyfields continued to put pressure on Ilminster, forcing Charlotte Johnson into making further smart saves before half time. Ilminster did manage to create chances of their own before half time; but couldn’t get themselves two ahead.

The second half was much the same with Moneyfields playing good football, seeing them create numerous chances but Ilminster stood strong and dealt with the threats; whilst nearly nicking a goal through a quick counterattack.

Moneyfields pressure finally told when in the 64th minute they got themselves back level; through their dangerous winger.

Both teams continued to create chances; with both keepers having to make good saves to keep the scores level. This is how the match finished at the end of 90 minutes; would extra time be enough to finally separate the two sides?

The first half of extra time saw no goals; with both teams again creating a couple of chances each. The second half of extra time was where the game was decided; despite a spirited performance from the Ilminster ladies, Moneyfields got themselves in the lead in the 107th minute.
Moneyfields continued their pressure and managed to get themselves two further goals by the end of the game; with the match finishing 4-1 in favour of the visitors, who progress into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Ilminster put in a great performance this afternoon, against a good side. Town were able to stay resilient right until the end.

Everybody at the club wishes Moneyfields FC the best for the rest of their season.

Player of the game today was Charlotte Johnson (sponsored by Minster Electrical Contractors) in goal; a spirited performance from the stopper, who pulled off numerous great saves, and was a key part in keeping Ilminster in the game!

Next week Ilminster go back to league action, where they will visit Bishops Lydeard, with a 2 o’clock kick off.

Goal scorer: Sarah Miller (Sponsored by Mitchams Chartered Accountants)

Starting 11: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Mann, Daisy Charles, Dana Andrews, Hannah Billing, Georgia Coward, Sarah Miller (C), Charlie Pettinger, Colette Martin, Maisie Parker, Abbie Carslake
Substitutes (all used): Graziely Esperanca, Katie Martin, Nicola Johnson

Sam Clarke-Ilminster Town Ladies First Team Assistant Manager