Somerset County Women’s League, division two south: Sydenham Rangers Ladies (Blues) 2, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 1

With a full squad of players for the first time this season and looking to consolidated their position at the top of the table, the Wildcats again made the short trip up the M5 to Bridgwater, this time to take on Sydenham.

Wildcats started the game playing into the strong wind and were quickly into their rhythm with Charlotte Ayers, back in her preferred central midfield position, and Emily Ayers able to pick passes almost at will turning the Sydenham defence on numerous occasions.

However Wildcats were unable to make any real threat on the Sydenham goal although Heidi Stucki and Ebony Sellick did have shots comfortably saved by the home keeper.

As the clocked ticked over 20 minutes Wildcats made a breakthrough as Stucki raced on to a through ball from Charlotte Ayers before easing past a couple of defenders and coolly slotting across the keeper into the far corner.

This seemed to spring the more physical Sydenham side into life and they slowly clawed there way back into the game however it was actually Wildcats that had the next scoring chance, but the home keeper saved excellently at the feet of Sellick.

On 38 minutes Sydenham were awarded a penalty after a challenge on the edge area which they dispatched, before they fortuitously went ahead just before half time when a back pass to the keeper got stuck in a divot resulting in the kick out landing at the feet of Sydenham player who controlled well before firing into the corner. Half-time 2-1.

Although Wildcats controlled the second half in footballing terms, they were unable to fully match the physicality of the Sydenham side who were indebted to their keeper, who made three excellent saves.  Wildcats continued to push for a deserved equaliser and were on the attack as the final whistle blew.

Despite this setback Wildcats remain in top spot.

The Ayers twins both had good games in the heart of midfield, but for her excellent battling performance in a very tough midfield and her goal it was Heidi Stucki who was awarded Wildcats player of the match.

Next week Wildcats are home to 3rd placed Bridport Youth Ladies, ko 2pm, all support most welcome.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Danielle Bond, Charlotte Ayers (Capt.), Emily Ayers, Ella Hartley, Heidi Stucki, Ebony Sellick.

Subs: Teagan Burrow, Amber Finucane-Fenn (used).  Ringla Tance, Amber Perry, Kansas Gosling (not used).