Our Wildcats U13s made it four wins on the bounce at Ilminster in a fast-paced game with a convincing 3-1 victory to end their season in style.
Second place in the league was secured a couple weeks ago but, as always, the group’s hunger to improve and represent the club with pride and passion emanated from the first whistle.
India G and Flo N, along with Lola S and Mckayla H settled well into midfield controlling the game and creating plenty of space for each other, and for leading striker Emilia S to create some early opportunities.
With Ilminster penned in and struggling to clear, their keeper miscued a kick from the edge of the box on the 15-minute mark and Emilia S pounced with the keeper off her line to score her 27th goal of the season.
Unperturbed, Ilminster, playing their counter attacking brand of football, caused some problems with balls over the top and through the channels which were very challenging.
Darcey B in defence was resolute and brave, and made countless decisions to hold their winger at bay while Imogen M had another strong defensive outing at right back, dealing with everything in an assured fashion.
The introduction of Isla C in front of the defence ensured no further threats were made on goal, and subbing on Darcey C and Lacey B in midfield allowed regular advances down the left wing and create additional shooting opportunities which couldn’t be converted.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first, with regular attacking moves utilising three or four players who were difficult for Ilminster to stop.
After an attempted shot was blocked, Emelia S was the quickest to react and slotted home in the bottom corner to double Wildcats’ advantage.
This spurred on Ilminster, who came back into the game almost immediately. Captain Jess B had to be on her toes with her partner Frankie P in the centre and they dealt with numerous balls over top and crosses which required communication and bravery.
Following a clearance from an attack, an Ilminster player had a ball arrive at their feet and their 20 to 25-yard strike beat the keeper for a goal of the season contender, halving the Wildcats lead.
Willow P was introduced into midfield and, with Ilminster tiring, she caused havoc with Lacey B and McKayla H down the left while Lola S on the right created good opportunities with her free-flow play.
On the 65-minute mark, another chance arrived for Emilia and her calmness helped complete her hat trick, her 29th for the season and 13th in the last four games.
The game was played out in the same fashion as it started, with quality passing and effort. Kacie W gave extra legs to support the team with Sophie W taking decisive action in goal to sweep up more through balls, in arguably her best kicking performance of the season.
It allowed freedom for the midfield to express themselves and be creative and give the defence a well-earned break to refocus in what was the most challenging game they have had.
Willow P and Lacey B were awarded players of the match for their performances in midfield. Both relative new players, showing an eagerness to learn, who put their everything into the game to make sure Wildcats got over the line.
Wildcats’ second-place finish with 12 wins from 18, and only conceding 19 goals all season, means they can really look forward to the challenge of the U14s league in September.
