Somerset County Women’s League Cup: Sydenham Rangers Ladies Blue 0, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 0 (Sydenham won 4-3 on penalties).
Wildcats made the short trip to Bridgwater on Sunday for the twice postponed league cup match and, despite having several players unable to play through injury or holiday, gave a good account of themselves.
Having not played for six weeks, Wildcats were keen to make a good start, but it was not until the 14th minute that they had their first real chance – Robyn Stockman hitting the crossbar from just inside the box.
Sydenham were able to clear the rebound and their centre back capitalised on Wildcats’ high line with a long ball to their striker, but keeper Bianca Hamlyn was able to make a regulation save to her left.
Content on playing route one football, Sydenham created no real threat to the Wildcats goal, the ball running through to the keeper on multiple occasions although centre back Tenika Goss was called into action twice to make critical tackles.
With ten minutes left of the half, Wildcats stepped up a gear pushing for a deserved lead.
Ebony Sellick was challenging well down the left with Emily Ayers and Georgia Purdy controlling the middle, but they were unable to make the all-important breakthrough.
The second half almost mirrored the first, Wildcats playing good football, while Sydenham were kick and chase.
Wildcats’ debutant Keeley Coates had the best chance of the half firing narrowly wide of the upright on the 49th minute, while they felt they should have been awarded a penalty when the Sydenham centre back appeared to handle in the area on 51 minutes.
The game was played out mainly in the middle of the park without any real threat to either goal.
With 15 minutes left Wildcats pushed captain Grace Winter into midfield in attempt to grab a late winner, but Sydenham defended stoutly as they held out.
With no extra time the game went straight to penalties with Sydenham winning 4-3. The defeat sees Wildcats move into the Chairman’s Cup (draw yet to be made)
Wildcats’ player-of-the-day went to Naomi Southcott, who not only defended well, but also grabbed a goal in the shootout.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter (cpt), Tenika Goss, Naomi Southcott, Bryony Sellick, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Robyn Stockman, Imogen Edmondston-Low, Danielle Bond, Ebony Sellick. Sub: Keeley Coates (used).
On Sunday, Wildcats are away to Wells City Ladies in the league.