Ilminster Come From Behind Twice To Secure Draw

Ilminster Town kept their unbeaten league and home record intact through sheer persistence on Saturday down at 'The Archie Gooch Pavilion', and one thing is for sure this side never gives up, momentum had been slowly building as with Somerton leading 2-1 with the clock clicking down,  it took top goal scorer Taylor Jefferson to have a slice of luck, when his perfectly struck corner when straight in to the roof of the net in a heavily crowed goalmouth to bring the scores level late in the game.

Somerton must be cursing their luck as two weeks ago another late goal, this time to give Ilminster the late win, has meant that they have only picked up one point to Ilminster’s four from the two league fixtures between the sides.

With the combative midfielder Matt Brown suspended after picking up five bookings, Manager Jason Manley was fortunate to have a similar player to keep the balance of his side, in Paul Nichols who came in for his first full start of the season.

The match began with both sides cancelling each other out in the opening exchanges, but then the match went on to mirror the first meeting of the sides two weeks ago at Somerton, as the visitors slowly took control, and looked the better side, and when top scorer Jon Watts was well placed, despite hitting his shot wide Josh Parsons was judged to foul him and referee Mike Cairns pointed to the spot. Watts made no mistake and gave his side the lead.

Caspar Paine in the home goal made a couple of good saves and with the defence being well marshalled by Josh Parsons who is having a superb season, Ilminster stood firm as half time approached, and with one fast breakaway Taylor Jefferson was unlucky as he just pulled his shot wide.

Just as two weeks ago, Ilminster came out at half time like a different team, and they deservedly equalised when young Jack Male showed determination in the penalty box and rifled in a half chance.

But Somerton were not finished and when a long range effort was tipped on to the bar by Caspar Paine, Jamie Brown was the sharpest, following up to give his side the lead again.

Ilminster were far the  better side in the last twenty minutes but struggled to create  a real guilt edged chance, but it was not for the lack of trying, Chris Nezianya in particular gave everything as the Blues pushed forward and kept knocking at the door.

A late change brought on the experienced duo of Jon Delahaye and player Manager Jason Manley off the bench for their first apperances of the season and both showed they still have a lot to offer as they pushed their side forward.

Then with time running out, came the Taylor Jefferson corner that brought wild celebrations as it sailed into the roof of the net (as per above video).

Somerton are by far the best side Ilminster have played this year and Jason Manley was quoted after the game declaring that he is ”Delighted to take four points from the two games that have come back to back.”

Portishead still top the division after winning their first eight games straight, however they lost for the first time last week away at Uphill Castle and they still have to play both Somerton, who are 4th and second placed Ilminster home and away.

Next up for Ilminster is their Somerset County Premier / Division One cup match away at inform Street Reserves who have crept up to 3rd in Division One West, with six wins from nine league games including a fine 1-0 win away at Somerton, and this should prove a tough match especially mid week with the Street first team fringe players available, this cup match has been postponed three times now, twice for a waterlogged pitch and last Wednesday when the pitch was frozen.

Both teams will try again on  Wednesday 7th December 7.30pm kick off,  with the winners playing Premier League Frys Club away in the last sixteen on Saturday, but if Ilminster lose it will be a league game away to bottom of the table Congresbury both with a 2.00pm kick off.

Team:

Casper Paine, Darren Brown, Josh Parsons,  Jon Manley, Aaron Sweet, Sam Rowswell, Jack Male,  Paul Nicholls (Capt),  Joe Simmons, Chris Nezianya, Taylor Jefferson.

Subs: (all used)

Dan Smith  (Joe Simmons)
Jon Delahaye (Darren Brown)
Jason Manley (Aaron Sweet)

Check out the video of the Ilminster equaliser, courtesy of a Taylor Jefferson corner!