Somerset County Women’s League division one: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 2, Bishops Lydeard Ladies Reserves 0
A goal in each half was enough to secure victory for Wildcats in this local derby with Bishops Lydeard Ladies Reserves.
With Wellington Ladies also at home the game was switched to Wellington School, to whom Wildcats are extremely grateful.
Wildcats played down the slope in the first half and, despite not playing since November 26th, were quickly into their stride, attacking well down both flanks through Chloe Payne on the left and Robyn Stockman on the right, while the pace of Ebony Sellick was a constant threat all game.
However, with constant pressure from the Lydeard defence Wildcats found it difficult to push through and have any real chances at goal.
Wildcats’ best chances came from long balls out of defence, while at the other end their disciplined defensive line managed to keep Lydeard at bay.
The opening goal came from a corner taken by Emily Ayers. The initial cross was cleared by Lydeard, but only to the feet of Wildcats captain Grace Winter and, unfortunately for Lydeard, her powerful shot was well blocked on the line but ricocheted into the back of the keeper and over the line.
Wildcats had a couple of further half-chances, while Winter and keeper Bianca Hamlyn combined well to clear a promising attack from Lydeard.
Wildcats kept their composure in the second half and controlled the game well, especially in midfield through Ayers and Georgia Purdy.
They had significantly more possession and were able to release Payne, Stockman and Sellick at regular intervals.
Wildcats had many opportunities at goal but were unfortunate to find the Lydeard keeper in the right position while she also made one exceptional point blank save from Sellick.
As the game progressed, Lydeard changed their tactic pushing their attacking players forward, which created a couple of chances, but these were calmly dealt with by centre backs Tenika Goss and Naomi Southcott and also Bryony Sellick on the right.
Wildcats’ second goal came from an opposition goal kick which was claimed in midfield by Ayers and, from 25 yards, she hit it over the keepers’ head to double the lead.
With 15 minutes to go, both sides were eager to change the scoreline again, but all attempts were unsuccessful with the respective defences keeping switched on.
This was a fine example of ladies’ football with both teams contributing to an excellent competitive game.
Wildcats player-of-the day was Tenika Goss for an outstanding defensive performance.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter (capt), Tenika Goss, Naomi Southcott, Bryony Sellick, Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Emily Ayers, Chloe Payne, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick. Substitute: Ringla Tance (used).
Wildcats are now in sixth position having won five of their ten games and on Sunday they welcome Nailsea to the Playing Field for a 2pm kick-off. All support most welcome.
