Wildcats U14s make it nine wins out of nine

Four of our Wildcats girls’ sides were in action yesterday (Saturday, December 14th) and here’s the full round-up.

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The Wildcats U11s game at Bishops Lydeard was an even affair.

Wildcats were a constant threat, mainly from Hetty H and Summer H, who saw numerous attacks enter the penalty box.

At the other end, defenders Maria G and Bea D made some crucial tackles, along with keeper Remi S who was in fine form throughout, ensuring Wellington entered the break 0-0.

The second half again saw both sides evenly matched. Wildcats sought to press heavily to force some Lydeard mistakes and were unfortunate to not break through the strong home side.

With ten minutes left of a physical game, Lydeard forced a number of set pieces around the box, only to find Wildcats in fine form.

In the final minutes, both sides were eager to take the lead, and it was Lydeard who managed to squeeze through after a well-deserved team goal.

Despite the 1-0 defeat, Wildcats battled well and player-of-the-day went to keeper Remi S.

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Wildcats U13s travelled to Middlezoy on a bright winter’s day, looking to give a good account of themselves despite a makeshift squad meaning they had to adapt their tactics and formation.

Wildcats were 3-0 down within 15 minutes which wasn’t a true reflection of the game as they had some bright attacking spots, something becoming more frequent as the season progresses.

Resolute defending from Georgie, Gracie, Cheyenne and Anya ensured Wildcats went into the interval still in the game.

Middlezoy scored straight from the restart with a lucky bounce of the ball, but Wildcats kept attacking via London, Dary and Anya.

An injury to keeper Ivy meant Cheyanne bravely took the gloves and made some superb saves.

Despite being caught on the counter a few more times, Wildcats remained competitive and determined throughout.

Player-of-the-match was Amelia W who was captain for the day and led by example.

The coaches are extremely proud that the girls are doing their absolute best to train hard and improve, and the scorelines do not demonstrate the all-round progress being made.

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Wildcats U14s played their final game before Christmas at home to Ilminster.

From the off, Wildcats produced their strongest first half performance, determined to redeem their earlier away defeat.

Using the width of the pitch, they excelled d

own both flanks. Emilia S was clinical to score twice in the opening ten minutes, before Flo N added to the tally.

Wildcats, were composed at the back, dealing with any threat and feeding balls to start the counter, in which Emilia S completed a first half hat-trick.

Shortly before the break, Lacey BG calmly slotted home her first club goal. Half-time 5-0.

Ilminster regrouped and came out pf the blocks rejuvenated, stretching the game and beginning to cause numerous challenges.

Wildcats’ sixth came from a Faith NH trademark 18-yarder, before Ilminster made a counter to reduce the deficit.

Ilminster’s second was an unfortunate own goal, but was met by Emilia’s fourth and, 33rd of the season. Full-time 7-2.

Player-of-the-match was Lola S for a dominating performance, creating many chances down both flanks.

This makes it nine consecutive wins and now it’s a well-deserved rest over Christmas after the squad’s outstanding contribution.

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With the Wildcats U16s hit by unavailability, injury and two players coming down with illness the night before the game, they travelled to Weston Mendip with just eight players.

But the depleted side gave an outstanding performance against the nine girls of Mendip.

As expected, Mendip had a large amount of possession but couldn’t capitalise on a number of early chances as Wildcats defended superbly. Tori Smith especially had her best game in a Wildcats shirt.

With the drinks break just a minute away, Mendip took the lead with an excellent goal.

Wildcats had a good chance to equalise when Orlaith Colegate’s shot was well saved, while she also hit the post as they pushed for a deserved equaliser.

Wildcats continued to defend superbly, with both Milly Howe and Julia Rosicka making fine tackles, while Lillie-May Critchard also had her best game, playing exactly as she was asked throughout.

Lola Hamlyn broke clear on a couple of occasions and linked well with Colegate and Kelsie Smith, but they couldn’t get the breakthrough they thoroughly deserved. Half-time 1-0 to Mendip.

Mendip took the game out of Wildcats’ reach in the third quarter with three well-worked goals, making use of their extra player.

Jasmine Simmons made a number of outstanding saves as Wildcats rallied in the final quarter but couldn’t stop an excellent fifth goal with ten minutes to go.

Wildcats now have a couple of free Saturdays for players to recover and will hope 2025 brings them improved luck with injury and availability as an improved league points total from last season is still in their sights.

Player-of-the-match was Milly Howe.