Somerset County Women’s League Division Two South: Wildcats Ladies 4, Middlezoy Rovers Ladies Reserves 1
Our Wildcats Ladies were playing their first match at the Playing Field since October 16th but, in front of a 70-plus crowd, they did not get the start they were hoping for, conceding within the first five minutes from a simple ball through their defence.
Middlezoy continued to play this way, but without causing any further concern. Wildcats were slowing bringing themselves back in the game with some fine passing play, making excellent use of the wide pitch.
But they were forced to reshuffle early as they lost centre back Naomi Southcott with a hamstring injury, before, on 25 minutes they finally made a breakthrough. Heidi Stucki played a lovely one-two with strike partner Ebony Sellick before unleashing a shot which the keeper could only parry and, following up her own effort, she slotted home the equaliser.
With Wildcats now in control, they continued to press for more goals and were rewarded by two handball penalties, the first after a long-range shot from Emily Ayers and the second after a well worked corner routine. Both penalties were dispatched with aplomb by Emily Ayers.
Half-time saw the Wildcats lead 3-1.
Middlezoy made a couple of changes at the break which livened them up a little and they started the half the brighter team with a number of goal scoring chances, but they were unable to beat Wildcats keeper Bianca Hamlyn who was in excellent form.
As in the first half, Wildcats started slowly but, once in their stride, they were in complete control, again using the wide pitch to their advantage. Stucki saw a couple of efforts well saved by the Middlezoy keeper, while a number of other players also had half-chances cleared. Midway through the half, Zoe Armitage came on to make her Wildcats debut.
After 75 minutes, Ebony Sellick scored from a tight angle, a goal which her energetic performance deserved. There was still time for Hamlyn to make another fine clearance, coming well out of her goal to make a superbly timed challenge.
Unfortunately, the game finished in disappointing fashion as Wildcats captain Charlotte Ayers was stretchered from the field with a serious-looking knee injury.
Player-of-the-match: Bianca Hamlyn.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Georgia Purdy, Charlotte Ayers (capt), Emily Ayers, Ella Hartley, Heidi Stucki, Ebony Sellick. Subs: Amber Finucane-Fenn, Amber Perry, Sheldon Hancock, Zoe Armitage (all used); Teagan Burrow (not used).
Next week, Wildcats are away to Bridport Ladies, kick-off 2pm.
