Impressive Home Display Sees Ilminster Go Second

This Sunday saw Ilminster host league leaders Wootton Bassett, who before the match had a four point lead on the Blues. Ilminster were looking to close this gap, and really look to start a press towards promotion.

Ilminster welcomed two debutants into the side for today’s game; in attackers Harriet Kelly and Louise Wyatt. Both put in impressive performances. Also, in the Town squad today was former Goalkeeper Abbi Bond.

Ilminster started the match quickly, getting in behind a couple of times within the early stages of the game. This early pressure did turn into the all important first goal of the afternoon. When in the 8th minute, a good bit of work down the left hand side, resulted in Maisie Parker putting a delightful ball into the penalty area, the goalkeeper just couldn’t get her hand to the cross to punch away, and Georgia Mann anticipated this following in at the back post, and placed the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 Ilminster, an impressive start.

Wootton Bassett started to try and string a couple of attacks of their own together, and they managed to get a penalty in the 13th minute, after Hannah Billing was adjudged to foul the Wootton Bassett attacker. Charlotte Johnson in goal for Ilminster saved the penalty well, down to her left hand side, and strongly pushed the ball away.

Ilminster carried on their early pressure, and put together more opportunities, with Colette Martin, Abbie Carslake and Captain Sarah Miller, each going close. Wootton Bassett also had chances of their own, with their centre forward going close with a volley from close range.
In the 33rd minute Harriet Kelly came on for Georgia Mann; to make her debut for Ilminster.

It was Wootton Bassett that got the next goal of the game, right on the stroke of half time. A dangerous free kick was put into the area from the visitors, a shot was directed towards the goal which Charlotte Johnson saved well, a Wootton Bassett player anticipated well, and was first to the rebound, and put the ball into the back of the net right on the stroke of half time.

Ilminster made a change at the break, with Abbi Bond going in goal replacing Charlotte Johnson.

Ilminster started the second half well again, putting early pressure on the Wootton Bassett back line. In the 59th minute Ilminster’s pressure told once again; when they forced a free kick on the edge of the Wootton Bassett penalty area. Maisie Parker who was fouled, took the free kick and produced an inch perfect effort into the top left-hand corner. A great free kick.

Ilminster did have a chance to increase their lead further, from the penalty spot in the 61st minute; but Abbie Carslake put the ball over the bar.

The 68th minute saw the second debut of the day; with Louise Wyatt coming onto the field to replace Hannah Billing.

The 72nd minute saw Ilminster finally add another goal to their tally, which was no less than they deserved in the second half. A great piece of direct running down the right hand side saw Abbie Carslake get past her defender and play the ball across the box, which was cut out by a Wootton Bassett defender, but Colette Martin read the situation well and dispossessed the defender, and produced a good effort on goal that forced the goalkeeper into a good save; but Harriet Kelly reacted first for the Blues, and put the ball into the back of the net from close range. A debut goal for Harriet!

Ilminster saw the game out for a 3-1 victory against top of the league and close the gap to one point; now sitting second in the table!
Player of the game today was Harriet Kelly, who put in a great performance up front, holding the ball up well and linking play together; also getting herself a debut goal!

Next week sees Ilminster host Keynsham Town Development (Women) First; with a 2 o’clock kick off.

Goal scorers: Georgia Mann (sponsored by S. Morris Ltd), Maisie Parker (sponsored by Kinetics Sport Therapy), Harriet Kelly (sponsorship available)

Starting 11: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Daisy Charles, Dana Andrews, Hannah Billing, Georgia Mann, Sarah Miller (C), Charlie Pettinger, Colette Martin, Maisie Parker, Abbie Carslake
Substitutes: Abbi Bond, Harriet Kelly, Louise Wyatt

Photo Credit: TimmyBadger Photography (https://www.timbadgerphotos.com/?fbclid=IwAR2QEAKLu3lBff9Ucf4b7IFUOMJpsqLr7gJ3lomwJCT2oIiSV-dHXA1d0Zc)

Sam Clarke-Ilminster Town Ladies First Team Assistant Manager