No fewer than five Wildcats girls’ sides were in action at the weekend and here’s the full round-up.
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Wildcats U11s travelled to Ilminster, looking to avenge their quarter-final loss the previous week.
U11s – Hetty H.
It started in the same way with both teams battling for possession. Wildcats created space, moving the ball fluently and finding some scoring opportunities from Emilia S, Hetty H and Stevie W.
However, it was Ilminster who went in front. A corner made its way into the box, eventually falling to a home striker who fired in from close range.
As the half closed, Wildcats had a goal kick which found Maria G in good form to carry the ball forward and find Emilia S who pinpointed the bottom corner with some power, making it 1-1 at the break.
A slow start to the second half saw Ilminster in front. Taking possession in the middle of the park, a powerful shot found the back of the net despite keeper Remi S, making a save.
Wildcats dominated the rest of the game, winning every battle and creating numerous consecutive corners, but the final whistle blew for a 2-1 defeat.
It was another well fought game from every girl on and off the pitch, proving a true testament to their hard work in training. Player-of-the-match was Hetty H.
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Wildcats U12s played their final home game of the season against Somerton.
U12s – Scarlett H.
It kicked off with Wildcats taking control of possession, and it wasn’t long before Scarlett H seized possession from a misplaced pass to nestle the ball into the bottom corner.
Wildcats then earned a free kick from 30 yards out, taken by Bella W, who unleashed a powerful shot which soared into the top corner, scraping the crossbar.
Wildcats continued to move the ball fluently, linking up play and exploiting space down both flanks, soon finding a Scarlett H cross hit the back of the net after a deflection from a Somerton defender. HT: 3-0
Wildcats continued to maintain their dominance in the second half, with chances falling to Darcey S, Summer O, and Madeline H-W, all of whom missed narrowly.
Bella W scored her 15th goal of the season, drilling into the bottom corner, with another powerful shot.
With this victory, Wildcats U12s remain unbeaten in the league, achieving an impressive ten clean sheets in a row. Player-of-the-match was Scarlett H
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Wildcats U13s were home to Isle of Wedmore at the Recreation Ground.
U13s – Georgie L with Andy Griffin.
The game started evenly matched across the pitch with both teams easing into the contest and no real challenge to either goalkeeper.
It wasn’t until the 15th minute that Wedmore took the lead with a shot from just outside the box which goalkeeper Alisha J was unfortunate not to keep out.
Wildcats had their chances in the first half with Dilhem A nearly equalising from a shot on goal which was collected by the Wedmore keeper. Shortly before half-time, the away side found themselves in space to play two through balls and extend their lead.
The Wildcats started the second half brightly having shots on goal, through some link up play between Faith D and Cheyenne C.
Wedmore’s continued pressure saw them 4-0 up, but Wildcats kept their heads up, continuing to play some very good football.
Wildcats were unfortunate not to score from a player being brought down in the box but continued in their usual stride, challenging for every ball and making use of their possession.
Shortly before full time Wedmore scored their final goal of the game. FT: 5-0
Player-of-the-match was captain Georgie L whose enthusiasm, determination and leadership kept the girls going throughout the game.
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Wildcats U14s played their toughest game so far against table topping Berrow with both teams needing a win to stay in title contention.
U14s – Mckayla H with John Sellick.
The first couple of minutes saw Wildcats in their usual stride, Frankie P beating the ‘keeper from halfway and unfortunate to see the ball go wide of the post.
Berrow soon found their pace, dominating possession and creating numerous chances to soon find themselves ahead with two well-taken free-kick routines.
Faith NH hit the post with a mazy run, before continued pressure saw a third added with an uncontested shot outside the box finding the top corner.
The second half was more of a contest, Wildcats finding space and creating some chances of their own through wingers Lola S and Mckaya H.
Wildcats were unfortunate to not capitalise on their longer time in possession, with both Emilia S and Flo N having half-chances to close the scoring.
Berrow extended their lead with a well finished corner and an unfortunate own goal after a fine parry from the away keeper.
After being put clear, Emelia S was brought down just outside the box, the resulting freekick going narrowly over the crossbar. Shortly before full-time, some good foot work from the home striker saw the final goal calmly slotted into the net. FT: 6-0
Player-of-the-match was Mckayla H for her hard work and determination. Credit also to Frankie P for one of her finest performances of the season.
Wildcats will be looking to bounce back with a win to guarantee a minimum third place finish which would be well deserved for the efforts put in throughout a successful season.
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Wildcats U16s played a strong Bishops Lydeard side in the league cup quarterfinal.
U16s – Jasmine Simmons with Bianca Hamlyn.
The majority of the game saw both teams battling it out in the midfield, captain Milly Howe, Frankie Tong and Keslie Smith repossessing the ball to distribute wide down both flanks.
It wasn’t until a well-taken corner routine that Wildcats found themselves 1-0 down.
Wildcats continued to press in their usual fashion, with Lola Hamlyn and Orlaith Colgate outpacing their defenders on numerous occasions. With Wildcats full-backs Florence Self and Fredddie Heselden in top form, Lydeard were forced to attack more centrally and, from a midfield break, one of their strikers saw a long-range attempt hit the top right corner of the goal.
The second half was similar to the first, both teams challenging for every ball. Centre backs, Amy Morrow and Katie Selley clearing any loose balls, preventing any real chances for Lydeard to extend their lead.
Midway through the half, the Lydeard keeper made an outstanding save from Kelsie Smith’s excellent shot from a Wildcats corner.
Lydeard’s third goal came when a penalty was well converted well.
Despite being 3-0 down, Wildcats were indebted to their keeper and player-of-the-match Jasmine Simmons who made countless exceptional and brave saves to keep Lydeard out.
As the clock ticked on, Wildcats continued to pressurise the away defence, leading to a string of corners which were well cleared well.
Lydeard’s final goal came from a 1v1 which was struck into the bottom corner. FT: 4-0.
