Another record day for our Wildcats girls

It was another record-breaking Saturday morning as our Wildcats girls’ section fielded seven different age-grouped teams across the county, featuring no fewer than 77 players. Here’s the full round-up and photos …

Wildcats U9s and U10s (pictured above) made their way to Street to play in the monthly festival tournament.

Led again by John Sellick and Steve Crudge, the teams had a fun morning playing multiple games, putting into practice everything they have been learning at training.

Dotty S and Teo G were both U9s players-of the-day and Eleri D was named as U10s player-of-the-day.

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Having played only once in six weeks, Wildcats U11s (pictured above) travelled to play a strong Isle of Wedmore side.

Starting the game evenly, both sides fought strongly for the ball in the centre of the park, with no real test for either keeper, before some miscommunication left the Wedmore striker in space to open the scoring.

Wildcats were not deterred, having most of the possession and creating chances, and they were unfortunate to not even the scoring.

Nearing the end of the first period, Wedmore were lucky to see a long-range shot make it 2-0, shortly followed by a superb run to leave Wildcats 3-0 down at the interval.

The second half saw the Wildcats find some much-needed energy. Their continued pressure saw numerous chances and they were again extremely unlucky to not get the goal they were chasing.

Despite not closing the score, the Wildcats should be proud of their efforts in drawing the second half, showing their ability to adapt to a quick paced game.

Player-of-the-day was given to the whole squad for their fantastic improvement throughout.

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Player-of-the-match Mary H with Aaron Adams.Wildcats U12s welcomed North Curry to Rockwell Green in what turned out to be an exciting match.

Starting strongly and dominating possession, many chances were created and Scarlett H made a brilliant pass to Summer for the opening goal which was a highlight.

North Curry worked their way back into the match and equalised, but the Wildcats continued to press for a winner.

Some outstanding saves from the North Curry keeper ultimately made the difference and the game ended as a draw.

Player-of-the-match was Mary H for her work rate throughout.

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After losing heavily at home earlier in the season, Wildcats U13s made the short trip to play top-of-the-table Huish Tigers.

The game kicked off with the Wildcats defence holding off any attacks. This helped their midfielders obtain possession and get some some shots away.

Huish capitalised on a counterattack to open the scoring and double their lead shortly afterwards.

Not to be deterred, Wildcats kept pressing to hold ground but, shortly before half-time Huish were fortunate to slip through another two goals, making it 4-0 at the break.

The Wildcats seemed to have the upper hand throughout the second half. Several shots challenged the Huish keeper, and Tigers were reduced to having only a couple of chances, converting one to make the final score 5-0.

Wildcats’ continued determination to improve can only be applauded, seeing a vast improvement over the past few fixtures, which the Huish manager praised after the final whistle.

Player-of-the-match was Anya S, for her amazing defending, winning the ball in several challenges and giving it everything.

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Wildcats U14s played their local derby at Court Fields against second-placed Bishops Lydeard.

Player-of-the-match Emilia S with Georgia Purdy.After a testing start, Wildcats found their usual rhythm, using both wings for effect.

Following some confusion in the box, Emilia S opened the scoring before Lydeard equalised then took the lead for the first time following some pacey attacking play just before half-time.

The second half saw Lydeard take an early 3-1 lead which ultimately proved to be the catalyst for the rest of the game, Wellington pressured and trapped Lydeard in their half for large periods. The rotation of players, use of the wings and exceptional teamwork created space and opportunities which eventually proved too much.

Emilia S saw a shot soar over the keeper, before completing her hat-trick almost immediately.

Shortly before the full-time whistle, excellent passing through midfield opened up for Emilia to score her fourth to secure three points for a 4-3 win.

Emilia S was named player-of-the-match for her continued superb performance although, notably, McKayla H and Kacie W were in contention following arguably their best performances for the Wildcats.

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With injury and unavailability continuing to affect the squad, Wildcats U16s’ game at Ilminster was played in a 9v9 format for the second week, running giving lots of space across the pitch.

Wildcats had a couple of good chances before Ilminster took the lead on the 17th minute.

Not to be disheartened, Wildcats continued with their style of football and, after a good advantage call from the referee, Milly Howe ran from her own penalty area to Ilminster’s before passing to Lola Hamlyn who slotted over the keeper to level the scores.

Unfortunately, Ilminster hit back almost immediately before grabbing two goals in the final four minutes of the half.

In true Wildcats style, the team were excellent in the second half.

The defence was called into action on several occasions; Katie Selley made a number of headed clearances, with Florence Self making a couple of vital interceptions. Keeper Jasmine Simmons also made one excellent save to her left.

Julia Rosicka, growing in confidence every week, made a couple of great runs from defence, while Kelsie Smith and Erin Clements made some fine tackles in the heart of Wildcats midfield.

Hamlyn hit narrowly wide after combining well with Orlaith Colegate, before Howe scored a thoroughly deserved goal with a superb finish after linking well with Lauren Newberry.

The game finished with Ilminster not being able to add to their tally in the second half as it finished 4-2 to the hosts.

Across the two matches with Ilminster, both teams have won two halves each, which is credit to Wildcats battling performances.

Player-of-the-match was captain Milly Howe and she was presented her award by Exeter City Ladies goalkeeper, Abbi Bond.