Somerset County Women’s League Division Two South: Wildcats Ladies 2, Pen Mill Reserves 0
Our Wildcats Ladies were looking to build on successive away victories as they made their debut at the Playing Field yesterday (Sunday, 25th).
In glorious late September sunshine, the Wildcats played down the slope in the first half and took a little time to settle as did Pen Mill, with the majority of play in the middle third of the pitch.
Wildcats increased in confidence as the half went on and found space on both flanks, but were unable to make any breakthrough.
The best of their chances both came through Ebony Sellick, the first from a mid-range shot after an excellent through ball from Wildcats skipper Charlotte Ayers which the keeper turned around the post, while from the resulting corner the same player headed narrowly over the crossbar. Half-time 0-0.
If the game was even in the first half, there was no doubt that Wildcats dominated the second period but were unable to convert any of the numerous chances they were creating.
As the game rolled into the 70th minute, Wildcats finally got their reward. A great ball from Grace Winter found Ella Hartley on the left wing and she cut in beautifully before firing home for a deserved goal.
Wildcats’ heads were now firmly up and lovely interplay between Ringla Tance and Heidi Stucki led to the former being brought down in the box – unfortunately Wildcats were unable to capitalise with the penalty sailing over the bar.
Wildcats did grab a second with ten minutes to go, Sellick smashing home off the crossbar after more good play from Stucki, and the final whistle blew with Wildcats attacking.
While plaudits will go to the attack, the defensive unit of Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss and player-of-the-match Grace Winter have not conceded in over 180 minutes of football and with Bianca Hamlyn, who was impeccable in goal, the Wildcats have a very solid foundation on which to build.
Wildcats Ladies: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Danielle Bond, Charlotte Ayers, Emily Ayers, Ella Hartley, Ebony Sellick, Heidi Stucki. Subs (all used) Amber Finucane-Fenn, Teagan Burrow, Ringla Tance