Somerset County Women’s League: Bridport Ladies 0, Wildcats Ladies 2
This was Wildcats first game since November 27th and, as expected, it took them a little while to get into their usual fluent stride.
Although they had some early success down the left wing, a number of passes being either under-hit or mis-placed led to Bridport gaining in confidence.
The home side’s only tactic was long balls through the middle for their attackers to run on to but they found the Wildcats defence in excellent form.
It was Bridport who had the first real chance on 35 minutes – a two-footed lunge on Bryony Sellick went unpunished and as the ball headed towards the penalty area Wildcats keeper Bianca Hamlyn rushed out to save superbly at the feet of the Bridport striker.
The Wildcats deservedly broke the deadlock shortly after when Ebony Sellick’s powerful drive from the edge of the area went in off the upright after excellent interplay between herself, Robyn Stockman and Heidi Stucki.
This was Sellick’s eighth goal in nine matches this season and gave the Tangerines a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half was more routine for the Wildcats – they were much quicker out of the blocks following the re-start and controlled the half from start to finish. They used the width of the pitch to their advantage, with Stockman and Zoe Armitage running well at their opposing players.
The second goal came early in the half with Ebony Sellick crossing for Stockman to coolly slot home from six yards.
The Wildcats continued to create chances but no further goals came and the scoreline flattered Bridport who were indebted to their keeper as she made three outstanding saves in the second half.
Grace Winter led the side well in the absence of injured skipper Charlotte Ayers, while Georgia Purdy in the centre of midfield and centre back Naomi Southcott both had outstanding games.
Wildcats’ player-of-the-match: Emily Ayers
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter (cpt), Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Emily Ayers, Ella Hartley, Heidi Stucki, Ebony Sellick. Subs: Zoe Armitage, Sheldon Hancock, Amber Perry, Amber Finucane-Fenn (all used).
On Sunday, the Wildcats play away from home for the final time this season against Pen Mill Ladies Reserves, ko 2pm.