First Team Avenge Early Season Defeat

With an away draw in the Somerset County Premier/Division One League cup, Ilminster were glad that they were drawn against close neighbours and fellow Premier Side Staplegrove for two reasons, not only would it cut down on travelling, but it would also give the Blues a chance of gaining revenge for the early season mid week defeat suffered at home in the league fixture back in August.

The big news from the Ilminster camp was the return of the influential ex skipper and midfielder Brad Miles who has returned to the club after a spell at Chard Town, his drive and experience will certainly help the young players who he will have around him.

Ilminster started the brighter and created numerous half chances in the opening exchanges but with the game surprisingly open, which is unusual this season in the  Somerset County League, Staplegrove also created some good opportunities themselves, but both teams failed to score.

This changed in the 20th minute as Ilminster took the lead through Charlie Rutter from 18 yards after good inter play with Taylor Jefferson.

The big striker has played well of late providing a focal point for the attack and will be delighted to finally get off the mark for the season.

Staplegrove who looked good on the counter attack won a penalty just before half time, but for the second time this season Chris May saved well.

Worse was to follow for the home side, as Taylor Jefferson broke clear to cooly lob the keeper to take his side 2-0 up at the break.

Staplegrove with nothing to lose stepped up a gear and 10 minutes into the second half reduced the deficit when Chris May was given no chance with a long range effort.

The young Blues team never panicked and continued passing the ball well, and it was Brad Miles who marked his return with a brilliantly taken Cantona esk chip to increase his sides lead.

Rutter and Jefferson both went close as Ilminster looked to make the game safe, but it was Staplegrove who scored with the last kick of the match to make the score look more flattering for a side that were well beaten on the day.

Team
Chris May, Luke Paul, Karl Davis, Brad Pitman, Jon May, Doug Whitfield ,Brad Miles, Tom Sullivan, Ben Pitman, Taylor Jefferson, Charlie Rutter

Subs Used

Andre Anjos
Adam Male
Charlie Berrington

Next week its back to League action with an away game against Clevedon United who currently sit in second place in the Somerset County Premier League table with a 2.30pm kick off.

Home at the Archie Gooch Pavilion are Andrew Male and his Reserve team who won 3-2 against Dunkerswell on Saturday with goals from Kenny Timson, Kaymon Linsey and Wael Elkahla up again Awliscombe with a 2.15pm kick off.

The Colts also recorded a home win with a 5-3 victory over Perry Street Reserves, two goals from Jordan Allen, and strikes from Gethyn Jenkins, Paul Gold and Jack Read secured the win despite an own goal from Ryan Mustchin. Up the Colts!