Somerset County Women’s League: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 5, Middlezoy Ladies 1
With the Playing Field still unplayable, Wildcats utilised the 3G facilities at Court Fields School and battled to an excellent victory in awful playing conditions yesterday (Sunday, February 23rd).
Player-of-the-day was Robyn Stockman who is pictured with John Sellick, Head of Wildcats.
Wildcats started brightly, utilising the strong wind at their backs to force Middlezoy deep into their own half.
Robyn Stockman, on the right side of midfield, was a threat all afternoon and when her ball into the box was only half cleared, Leah Morrell was on hand to open the scoring.
Stockman almost doubled the lead when she raced on to an excellent ball from Milly Howe but, after a clever drag back, her shot went narrowly over the bar. At the other end Charlotte Ayers made a fine intervention as Middlezoy threatened the Wildcats back four.
Two of Wildcats’ younger members, Howe and Christina Seaborne, combined well to create an opening for Howe, but the keeper saved well before Ebony Sellick, our leading scorer across all senior sides, was next on the scoresheet. She finished off a fine flowing move involving Ayers, Howe, Stockman and Georgia Purdy.
Sellick doubled her tally, coolly slotting home with the outside of her foot after latching on to a long goal kick from keeper Bianca Hamlyn, and then shortly before half-time Purdy smashed home from the edge of the area after an excellent free-kick routine.
Wildcats made three changes at half-time; Jess Regan returned after a long lay-off through injury, Emily Ayers replaced sister Charlotte, both also suffering with recent injuries, while Halle Watlin-Arnold made her first appearance of the season.
With the weather deteriorating rapidly, the second half was a very cagey affair. Middlezoy used their turn with the wind to try and release their speedy attack but they were unable to break the Wildcats defence easily.
Grayson Kennard and Grace Winter made some final tackles, while Tenika Goss and Emily Ayers produced a couple of excellent headers. When their defence was breached, Hamlyn made two fine saves to keep them at bay.
Regan made use of her pace along the right-hand side while also linking well with Watlin-Arnold and Purdy, together they played some excellent balls into the box, but the keeper claimed well after a tricky first half.
With ten minutes remaining, Middlezoy grabbed a goal their fighting spirit deserved – their striker, for once beating the offside trap to slot home.
Not to be deterred, Wildcats hit back immediately, Sellick completing her hat-trick, after some fine work by Watlin-Arnold and Purdy.
Wildcats’ player-of-the-day, sponsored by L A Baker Plastering was Robyn Stockman – with thanks to Lee Baker who also sponsored the match
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Charlotte Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Milly Howe, Georgia Purdy, Christina Seaborne, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick. Substitutes: Jess Regan, Halle Watlin-Arnold, Emily Ayers (all used).
Next Sunday, Wildcats take a break from league action when they visit Combe St Nicolas Ladies in the quarter-finals of the league cup.
BELOW: Georgia Purdy scores for the Wildcats.
