Somerset County Women’s League: Bishops Lydeard Ladies Reserves 0, Wellington Wildcats Women 1
Wildcats were looking to complete a quick double over their near neighbours having won at Wellington School just a fortnight before.
They moved skipper Grace Winter into midfield in place of the unavailable Emily Ayers and brought in Fiona Macdonald for her first start at left back.
Playing down the slope in the first half, Wildcats looked to get the ball wide for Robyn Stockman and Imogen Edmonston-Low at every opportunity, while Lydeard were keen to play through the middle, but they found Winter and Georgia Purdy in excellent form.
When they did manage to break through, Naomi Southcott and Tenika Goss thwarted anything through the centre, while Macdonald and the outstanding Bryony Sellick gave nothing away down the flanks.
Leah Morrell and Ebony Sellick were lively at the top for Wildcats and Sellick was unlucky not be awarded a penalty when she was brought down in the box while, at the other end, keeper Bianca Hamlyn saved well from a one-on-one situation.
Bishops Lydeard, who had a stronger side than in the reverse fixture, came out determined in the second period, but again resolute defending and strength in the tackle from Wildcats kept them at bay.
Wildcats attacked hard and made regular visits into the opposing box, but the Lydeard keeper and defence stopped any real chances.
Wildcats did have the ball in the net after an hour, but Chloe Payne’s effort was deemed to have been after a stoppage in play for a clash of heads, despite there being no whistle from the referee.
With time closing and, following a crunching tackle from Bryony Sellick, the ball found its way to Edmonston-Low who from near the sideline hit the ball over the keeper’s head for the winning goal, much to the delight of the travelling support.
As Lydeard pressed for an equaliser, Hamlyn made a couple of regulations saves, while Southcott headed a home effort clear of danger.
This was another excellent display of women’s football from both teams and was certainly Wildcats’ best performance of the season.
Every player gave their all and a number will be carrying battle scars this week as the victory ensured Wildcats have enough points to play again in division one next season.
Player-of-the-day was Bryony Sellick.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Nomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Fiona Macdonald, Imogen Edmonston-Low, Georgia Purdy, Grace Winter (cpt), Robyn Stockman, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick. Subs: Chloe Payne, Danielle Bond (used), Ringla Tance (not used).
On Sunday, Wildcats play the first of three successive home games when they entertain Portishead at the Playing Field, kick-off 2pm.
