Our Wildcats girls have been in action, from U9s up to U14s, and here’s the full-round up from their latest matches.
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U9s – Teo G.
John Sellick and Steve Crudge took the squad of Wildcats U9s to Huish Episcopi for the monthly football festival.
It was played in good spirits with the Wildcats continuing to improve, showcasing what they have learned in training out on the pitch.
It was a successful morning with lots of tired legs and happy girls. Teo G was named player of the day.
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Wildcats U11s travelled to Ilminster for their Plate quarter-final. The game started evenly but the Wildcats edged in front when Hetty H broke through the Ilminster defence to open the scoring. The keeper bravely came out making an initial save which rebounded off Hetty’s head and into the goal.
U11s – Maria G.
Ilminster soon levelled the scoring when their striker found herself clear to neatly slot home. Wildcats bounced back after Maria G picked up the ball in midfield, beat three players and lashed the ball into the net.
After some neat play in the area, an Ilminster striker was left in space for a tap in, to level the score at 2-2 at the break.
The second half was similar to the first with both teams competing for every ball. It was Ilminster who scored the decider after an unfortunate handball in the box to win 3-2.
Player-of-the-match went to Maria G for an outstanding performance.
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Wildcats U12s made the trip to face northern league team Chew Valley in a cup quarter-final.
U12s – Edie L.
From the off, Wildcats took control, creating several chances through impressive midfield play. Strong contributions came from Summer O, Bella W and Madeline H-W, working well together.
The breakthrough came when Mary H delivered a perfectly weighted ball over the home side’s back line, allowing Iyla J to sprint on and finish with precision.
In the second half, Wildcats continued to dominate possession, creating more scoring opportunities.
Unfortunate not to extend their lead, the final whistle blew with a deserved 1-0 win, setting up a semi-final against Somerton.
A special mention goes to the defence, and goalkeeper Tallilah T, who were impeccable throughout the match, making it ten clean sheets this season.
Edie L earned player-of-the-match for her outstanding defensive performance.
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Wildcats U13s made the short trip to Bishops Lydeard in the cup. Lydeard kicked off with a well organised side and the visitors found themselves 2-0 down within the first five minutes.
U13s – Casey V and Warren Pengelly.
Wildcats reacted well, creating some strong breaks, only to find the Lydeard goalkeeper in good form. Lydeard scored a further couple of goals before the break, one of which was looked to be knocked out of the keeper’s hands after a good save.
Wildcats continued to pressurise Lydeard, holding more possession and moving the ball fluently across the field.
The second half stared with Lydeard fielding ten players, which saw Wildcats with the upper hand, creating a chance for Faith D whose goal lit up the entire team.
Carrying on againm Casey V made a break but was overturned by a strong Lydeard defence, but Cheyenne C, who played well in midfield, put the ball out of play, slowing their attack.
A pinpoint Alisha J goal kick found London A who took on her player to play a perfect ball for Faith D to double her tally shortly before full-time.
Player-of-the-match went to Casey V for her immense improvement and good reading of the game.
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Wildcats U14s made the 100-mile round trip to Midsomer Norton for a competitive game of football.
U14s – Andy Manning with Sophie W.
Wildcats started brightly with a couple of early chances, using both flanks effectively to stretch the play. Emilia S soon found herself clear to open the scoring.
Norton gained a foothold in the game but the defensive line held firm, winning numerous offside decisions. Creating further pressure, Norton found keeper Sophie W in fine form.
From a goal kick, she assisted Emilia S who doubled the lead with a fine left footed strike, shortly before the break.
Rotating players, keeping midfield fresh for the fast-paced game, Wildcats had a few more chances with some excellent team play.
Norton, to their credit, created further pressure and through balls, but were faced by the keeper and defence. The hosts did sneak a goal back from a well taken, rebounded freekick.
From the restart, Wildcats kept possession soon finding Emilia S who completed her hat-trick.
In the final ten minutes, Norton kept a strong attack, holding most of the possession, but Wildcats held firm for a fine 3-1 victory.
Player-of-the-match was Sophie W, whose key saves and effective kicking to launch attacks, helped hold the lead. The back line deserve special praise for again playing in an assured fashion, working well with the midfield, and showing an impressive team performance.
An extra mention must go to striker Emilia S, who scored her 12 hat-trick of the season, taking her personal tally to 47 goals, overtaking the club record for a Wildcats player.
