First Team Suffer Heavy Loss With Depleated Squad

With a midweek rearrangement, the match away against champions Watchet was replaced by the equally difficult fixture against League leaders Chilcompton Sports who have won all but one of their League games this season.

The three most senior players were missing as Captain Jonny May and Charlie Rutter were at a wedding, and Keeper Chris May was in Croatia, this was therefore the most inexperienced first team ever put out by Ilminster.

With First team back up keepers Owen Male and Caspar Paine also unavailable, Paul Gold stepped up from the Colts to play in goal 11 years after his last first team appearance, where of course he was a talented striker with over 100 Somerset County goals.

17 year Andre Anjos was given his first start and there were debuts for two 16 year olds from the bench, with Mitch Hooper coming on for Ben Pitman who had clearly not recovered from a virus after 15 minutes and  Owen Burn also coming on for his debut.

The game started badly for the Blues when, for the second game running, a full back mishit his back pass in the opening exchanges, this time it was Luke Paul at fault and the Chilcompton centre forward nipped it to make it 1-0.

It stayed 1-0 until close on half, Ilminster had had their chances when both Charlie Berrington and Taylor Jefferson went close but it was the home side that increased their lead with a direct free kick right on the stroke of half time.

Ilminster held out for 10 minutes of the second half but then the flood gates opened as the young side dropped their heads and Chilcompton showed their class with five goals in a 15 minute spell after playing some great one touch football.

Jack Male at 22 took the Captains armband and was inspirational to his side, working tirelessly and covering every blade of grass.

All the youngsters gave everything but came across a side that were far to good for them on the day.

Team
Paul Gold, Luke Paul, Karl Davies, Adam Male, Jake Woodard, Ben Pitman, Jack Male, Tom Sullivan, Andre Anjos, Taylor Jefferson, Charlie Male

Subs used
Mitchell Hooper
Ryan Mustchin
Owen Burn

With most of the players back, it's cup action on Saturday where Street Reserves are the visitors to the Archie Gooch Pavilion with a 2.30pm kick off in the Somerset Senior Cup 2nd round.