WELLINGTON Wildcats were 1-0 winners over Ilminster Town in Division One of the Somerset Women’s League on their last game of the season on the Playing Field.

Forced into a number of changes due to injuries they began the game playing up slope and had to be alert early on as Ilminster played long balls over the top for their youthful forwards to run on to, although they were well matched by Wildcats impressive defensive quartet. 

Anything that did get past the defence was calmly swept up by Ebony Sellick in the Wildcats goal.  With Wildcats gaining momentum Keely Coates and Danielle Bond had half chances saved well, while a speculative hit from Imogen Edmondston-Low from halfway was well claimed under the crossbar from the Ilminster ‘keeper. 

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Robyn Stockman latched onto a pass from Georgia Purdy, she cut inside to unleash a powerful drive from the edge of the area which went in off the far upright. 

Emily Ayers almost doubled the lead when her freekick, following a late challenge on Leah Morrell, from the edge of the area was excellently saved from the keeper, just as it was dipping under the bar.  There was a nervous moment for Wildcats captain Grace Winter, who was lucky to escape with only a yellow after a mistimed tackle on an Ilminster forward.

The second half was much more comfortable for Wildcats; they created a number of good chances through Morrell, Sellick and Coates, while at the other end the excellent Wildcats centre-back pairing of Naomi Southcott and Tenika Goss handled anything that came their way with ease. 

As Ilminster pushed forward, they were awarded a freekick just in from the touchline, as the ball was whipped in, Ayers, Wildcats second-half goalkeeper, came out and punched clear, a clearance any regular keeper would have been proud of. 

Wildcats lost influential midfield Purdy to an ankle injury in the 76th minute. Carried off after a late challenge, she was replaced by Chloe Payne, herself returning after injury.  This didn’t dampen Wildcats spirits and they pressed for a deserved 2nd goal, but despite a couple of further half chances and a credible penalty claim, the game ended without further score. 

All players contributed to a hard-fought, but well-earned victory, but a couple of mentions, firstly to Danielle Bond, who played a full 90 minutes for the first time, while Ebony Sellick and Emily Ayers, both performed well as stand-in goalkeepers.  Player of the match honours deservedly went to Georgia Purdy.

Wildcats: Ebony Sellick, Imogen Edmonston-Low, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Emily Ayers, Danielle Bond, Keeley Coates, Leah Morrell.  Sub (Used) Chloe Payne