Somerset County Women’s League division one: Banwell Ladies 8, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 3

After last weekend’s thumping victory, Wildcats were given a harsh lesson on how to start a game by Banwell.

Falling behind in just 45 seconds, they were three behind before the clock read six minutes.

Despite this setback, Wildcats did try and get themselves back in the game with their usually fluent passing game, but they found it hard to break down the well-drilled Banwell midfield. A fourth goal for Banwell came on 22 minutes and a fifth shortly before half-time.

After a calm and positive interval talk, Wildcats came out a different team in the second half and put in a much-improved performance.

They were able to get the ball to the wide players at much more regular intervals and it was no surprise when Leah Morrell finished off a fine move. Emily Ayers, who was excellent all afternoon, threaded a ball through to Robyn Stockman who eased passed her defender and Stockman crossed to Morrell who finished well.

Banwell scored direct from a corner and added a seventh, but to their credit Wildcats never gave up and added two more goals of their own.

The first was from Georgia Purdy, who smashed home from just outside the area, while Chloe Payne came off the bench to finish well after being put through clear by Ayers. The final goal went the way of Banwell, followed shortly after by the final whistle.

Despite the early setback, Wildcats should be proud of how they finished the game, never letting their heads drop and scoring three well worked goals in the process.

Wildcats conceded more goals in this game than they did during the whole of last season’s title winning campaign – something they will look to improve when they play at Portishead Reserves next Sunday.

Player-of-the-day was Grace Winter.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter (capt), Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Bryony Sellick, Ella Hartley, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Robyn Stockman, Ebony Sellick, Leah Morrell.  Subs: Chloe Payne, Imogen Edmondston-Low (used); Ringla Tance, Megan Lang (not used).