Somerset County Women’s League division one: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 3, Sydenham Rangers Ladies Blue 1
Wildcats were looking for their first double of the season when they entertained Sydenham Rangers at the Playing Field yesterday (Sunday, November 26th).
Playing up the slope in the first half, Wildcats set up with a low defensive line which created additional space for midfielders Emily Ayers and Georgia Purdy to utilise.
They were able to bring the ball down well and play it wide whenever possible and it was no surprise that many of Wildcats’ best chances came through wingers Robyn Stockman and Chloe Payne playing the ball into the box.
The best of them found Leah Morrell unmarked at the back post, but she was unable to make a clean connection.
While Wildcats had the best of a tame first half, they were fortunate the Sydenham striker did not have her scoring boots on, as they could have found themselves two down after failing to deal with two long balls through the middle. Half-time 0-0.
Wildcats came out for the second half with a point to prove and they did this in style, although it was Sydenham who had the better of the opening ten minutes – whenever they were through on goal they were met by centre backs Anna Flory and Tenika Goss who were in excellent form.
Wildcats’ first goal came on the hour mark. A well taken corner by Stockman was met by Morrell, her shot was only parried by the Sydenham keeper and Wildcats captain Grace Winter was on hand to smash home her first goal of the season.
Their second arrived shortly afterwards – a through ball from the excellent Ebony Sellick was met by a superb first touch from Stockman, who was able to take on her defender and place the ball coolly to the right of the Sydenham keeper.
Wildcats knew Sydenham wouldn’t give up and their defensive unit had to be at their best as the visitors pushed hard for some much-needed points.
In the 75th minute, Wildcats effectively ended the contest as a goal kick found its way to the front of the attack and, with the strength of duo Sellick and Morrell, the ball was played to substitute Ella Hartley to slot home unchallenged.
Sydenham did grab a consolation goal after Wildcats missed several opportunities to clear a corner, the ball finally rebounding to a Sydenham to hit into the upper left corner of the goal.
Wildcats’ Player-of-the-Day was Georgia Purdy.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter (C), Tenika Goss, Anna Flory, Bryony Sellick, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Chloe Payne, Robyn Stockman, Ebony Sellick, Leah Morrell. Subs Ella Hartley, Naomi Southcott, Imogen Edmondston-Low (all used); Amber Perry (not used).
Next Sunday sees Wildcats at the Playing Field for the final time in 2023 when they face unbeaten Yeovil Town Women, ko 2pm.
Please come along and support the team – the clubhouse will be open throughout.