Somerset County Women’s League division one: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 1, Frome Town Women 1
On a beautifully sunny day, and in front of another sizeable crowd, Wildcats extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
Wildcats’ player-of-the-match, was captain Grace Winter and she is pictured, right, with keeper Bianca Hamlyn.
Wildcats started at a fast pace with Georgia Purdy and Milly Howe combining well in the third minute to create a half chance for Ebony Sellick.
Further good work on the right wing followed before Leah Morrell opened the scoring for Wildcats in the 12th minute, coolly slotting home after being put clear from Purdy.
Frome hit back and had several meaningful attacks but were thwarted by the Wildcats’ excellent back four. Emily Ayers and Tenika Goss both made fine interceptions and marshalled the Frome attack to the wide channels, while Grace Winter put in a couple of excellent tackles.
Charlotte Ayers superbly headed clear from a dangerous corner as Frome threatened to level. At the other end Morrell, Purdy and Sellick had long range efforts, while Christina Seaborne hit the side netting as Wildcats searched for the second goal their play deserved.
Imogen Edmonston-Low, in an unaccustomed right back position, cleared well and, shortly before half-time, Morrell made an excellent tackle in the left-back position after sprinting back from halfway.
Frome, who were beaten by Wildcats on penalties in early February, came out strongly at the start of the second half, but their long ball game was well controlled by Wildcats – any balls over the top were claimed by keeper Bianca Hamlyn.
After the early pressure, Wildcats began to exert control and they were on top for much of the second half, but were unable to turn possession into goals. Morrell shot narrowly over the bar, while the Frome keeper made excellent saves from Morrell and Sellick.
At the other end, Frome’s leading scorer fired over the bar after beating Wildcats’ offside trap, before making amends moments later to level the scores.
Jess Regan made an excellent run deep into the Frome box, but their central defender just got back in time to stop the cross.
Georgia Purdy was harshly penalised as she fed the ball to Keeley Coates, while Coates’ quick feet almost took her clear on goal as Wildcats pushed until the end.
Wildcats are grateful to match sponsors, club stalwarts Reg and Jenny Oxby
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Imogen Edmondston-Low, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Milly Howe, Charlotte Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Christina Seaborne, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick. Substitutes: Keeley Coates, Jess Regan (used); Bryony Sellick (not used).
On Sunday, Wildcats are at the Playing Field again, this time looking to do the league double over Paulton Rovers Ladies Reserves. Kick-off 2pm.
