Wildcats are pictured, rear from left, Naomi Southcott, Ella Hartley, Emily Ayers, Amber Finucane-Fenn, Bryony Sellick, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Ebony Sellick.
Front, Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Bianca Hamlyn, Zoe Armitage, Ringla Tance, Amber Perry.

Somerset County Women’s League: Pen Mill Ladies Reserves 1, Wildcats Ladies 2

Our Wildcats Ladies maintained their lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought win over Pen Mill Ladies Reserves.

Wildcats started brightly and were on the scoresheet within six minutes, Ebony Sellick using her strength to hold off the defender before slotting past the keeper.

Despite this early score, Wildcats found it difficult to get into their passing rhythm becoming more frustrated as the half went on, conceding an abnormal number of fouls which eventually led to the referee losing patience with the Tangerines and issuing yellow cards to both Tenika Goss and Sellick.

After these cautions Wildcats, did settle a little and found success through Robyn Stockman on the right wing and Emily Ayers and Georgia Purdy through the middle, but they also found the Pen Mill keeper in great form.

At the other end Bryony Sellick and the ever-improving Naomi Southcott marshalled the defensive four superbly as Wildcats led 1-0 at the break.

The second half had barely started when play was halted for several minutes due to a facial injury to Wildcats’ captain Grace Winter after she took an elbow to the nose – fortunately she was able to continue, while the Pen Mill player received a caution.

Wildcats were certainly more of a threat in the second half with Zoe Armitage playing an excellent role in the centre of the park. Pen Mill also upped their game and Wildcats’ keeper Bianca Hamlyn needed to make three fine saves to keep their lead intact.

Stockman did increase Wildcats’ lead with a superb shot from the edge of the box after being played in by Ayers, but Pen Mill clawed one back immediately from the restart after a lapse in concentration in defence, which led to an anxious last 15 minutes for the away supporters.

Wildcats could and probably should have made the game safe as they spurned two clearcut chances with the goalkeeper beaten, however they held their nerve and go into the final two games knowing the league title is in their own hands.

Wildcats’ player-of-the-match: Naomi Southcott.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter (Capt.), Robyn Stockman, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Ella Hartley, Zoe Armitage, Ebony Sellick.  Subs: Amber Finucane-Fenn and Ringla Tance (used); Amber Perry (not used).

Wildcats play their penultimate league game on Sunday when they are home to Wincanton Ladies (ko 2pm) – all support will be most welcome.