First Team Bounce Back

Ilminster were up against mid table Uphill Castle and looking to get their promotion bid firmly back on track after last weeks defeat against runaway leaders Portishead, both sides produced an entertaining 3-3 draw back in September and with 80 minutes on the Clock, another draw looked on the cards. But when a corner was won on the right, Sam Rowswell struck the perfect delivery with his left foot and Centre half Jonny Manley diving forward scored with a bullet header to win the match for his side.

With keeper Casper Paine abroad in the sunshine, Jason Manley brought in former Crewkerne keeper Matt Bisgrove between the sticks, and also experienced wide forward Chris Nezianya was recalled after injury.

Uphill were playing neat and tidy football and keeping possession well and it was against the run of play when Josh Parsons won the ball at the back and played a long through ball down the middle,the Uphill keeper was not decisive enough and Joe Simmonds was left with an easy finish to put the home side 1-0 up in the 10th minute.

Uphill were playing the procession Football, and Ilminster were playing on the counter attack, Simmonds could have added another as his shot just went wide.

Twice in a matter of minutes Josh Parsons was left one on one at the back and on both occasions ,not only did he win the Ball cleanly with great timing, but he also had the ability to start the next attack that ended with a great move where Nezianya saw his shot blocked on the line.

The game was end to end and Ilminster with the advantage of a strong wind were looking for the second goal that would give them the advantage but Uphill were not giving up, and twice went close as the half ended, first their striker pulled his shot wide after a good move, then When Jonny Manley lost a 50/50 challenge in the 18 yard box Bisgrove done well narrowing the angle and turning the ball past the post.

Uphill with the wind behind them started the second period brightly and when the Ilminster back line were all pulled out of position leaving two players unmarked on the left, they cleverly worked the ball over and deservedly equalised.

The second half became a bit of a stalemate as both Matt Brown and Paul Nichols struggled in the mid field engine room as the heavy conditions took its toll.

Nezianya who is struggling to find his early season form due to an injury that won't clear up and Nichols were both replaced by Jack Male and Aaron Sweet.
Jason Manley reorganisation pushing Matt Brown out to the right, Sweet to the left and played the two teenagers Rowswell and Male in the Centre of the park.
This gave the side a better balance as The Blues pushed forward in the closing stages, Rowswell shot just over and both Taylor Jefferson and Simmonds worked hard to as Uphill tired.
Then came the corner and Jason Manley’s first goal of the season, a fantastic header that deserved to win the match.

Uphill then really went for a second equaliser and left gaps at the back, Jack Male driving forward neatly turned a defender and had his shot well saved, and Ilminster were able to keep the ball in the corner as referee Paul Brown blew for time.

Josh Parsons was the star man with another terrific performance at Ilminster were up against mid table Uphill Castle and looking to get their promotion bid firmly back on track after last weeks defeat against runaway leaders Portishead, both sides produced an entertaining 3-3 draw back in September and with 80 minutes on the Clock, another draw looked on the cards. But when a corner was won on the right, Sam Rowswell struck the perfect delivery with his left foot and Centre half Jonny Manley diving forward scored with a bullet header to win the match for his side.

With keeper Casper Paine abroad in the sunshine, Jason Manley brought in former Crewkerne keeper Matt Bisgrove between the sticks, and also experienced wide forward Chris Nezianya was recalled after injury.

Uphill were playing neat and tidy football and keeping possession well and it was against the run of play when Josh Parsons won the ball at the back and played a long through ball down the middle,the Uphill keeper was not decisive enough and Joe Simmonds was left with an easy finish to give Ilminster the lead.
Uphill were playing the procession Football, and Ilminster were playing on the counter attack, Simmonds could have added another as his shot just went wide

Twice in a matter of minutes Josh Parsons was left one on one at the back and on both occasions not only did he win the Ball cleanly with great timing, but he also had the ability to start the next attack that ended with a great move where Nezianya saw his shot blocked on the line.

The game was end to end and Ilminster with the advantage of a strong wind were looking for the second goal that would give them the advantage but Uphill were not giving up and twice went close as the half ended first their striker pulled his shot wide after a good move, then When Jonny Manley lost a 50/50 challenge in the 18 yard box Bisgrove done well narrowing the angle and turning the ball past the post.

Uphill with the wind behind them started the second period brightly and when the Ilminster back line were all pulled out of position leaving two players unmarked on the left, they cleverly worked the ball over and deservedly equalised.

The second half became a bit of a stalemate as both Matt Brown and Paul Nichols struggled in the mid field engine room as the heavy conditions took its toll.

Nezianya who is struggling to find his early season form due to an injury that won't clear up and Nichols were both replaced by Jack Male and Aaron Sweet.
Jason Manley reorganisation pushing Matt Brown out to the right, Sweet to the left and played the two teenagers Rowswell and Male in the Centre of the park.
This gave the side a better balance as The Blues pushed forward in the closing stages, Rowswell shot just over and both Taylor Jefferson and Simmonds worked hard to as Uphill tired.

Then came the corner and Jonny Manley’s first goal of the season, a fantastic header that deserved to win the match,  

Ilminster should have added a third goal when Male ran through and left the defender for dead with a great turn but his shot lacked the power to beat the keeper who made a fine save.

From the corner Ilminster kept the ball and when referee Paul Brown blew for time, the side celebrated a hard fought win in very testing conditions with the strong wind and heavy pitch.

But then January is not the best month for free flowing football, the three points keep Ilminster in third place and look forward to a third game in a row at home this time Glastonbury are Saturdays  visitors with a 2.00pm kick off.

Team.

Matt Bisgrove, Darren Brown, Josh Parsons,  Jon Manley, Jonny May (Capt), Sam Rowswell, Matt Brown,  Paul Nichols ,  Joe Simmonds, Chris Nezianya,   Taylor Jefferson.

Subs

Jack Male for Chris Nezianya
Aaron Sweet for Paul Nichols