Somerset County Women’s League Cup semi-final: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 1, Pen Mill Ladies 2

Wildcats’ excellent run in the league cup was ended at the semi-final stage by Pen Mill Ladies.

Captain Grace Winter was Wildcats’ player of the match and she is pictured with Ian Nott.

On a gloriously sunny day and in front of a large crowd at the Playing Field, Wildcats had an early chance, albeit comfortably claimed by the Pen Mill keeper.

As the visitors began to take control, the Wildcats defence were equal to the attacking strength of Pen Mill, but needed goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn to be at her best, firstly saving well from a free kick, before making an outstanding save at the feet of the striker.

Wildcats were limited with possession in the first half, but Georgia Purdy and Charlotte Ayers, in the heart of midfield, ensured Pen Mill did not get an easy ride as it ended goalless at the break.

Playing down the slope in the second half, Wildcats had an impressive start, Ebony Sellick not quite getting enough lift on a through ball as their keeper claimed at full stretch.

Wildcats thought they found the breakthrough when Keeley Coates’ header from an Emily Ayers corner hit the upright, ran across the goal line and hit the opposite post before Pen Mill scrambled clear.

At the other end, Tenika Goss and captain Grace Winter made several fine clearances with both head and foot as Wildcats battled excellently.

The breakthrough for Pen Mill came on 68 minutes, an excellently placed direct free kick going in off the top of the goalpost.

Not disheartened, Wildcats continued to press and both Leah Morrell and Robyn Stockman had shots from a tight angle before, on 82 minutes, Pen Mill grabbed their second. A momentary lapse in concentration from Wildcats allowed a Pen Mill striker to slot past the outstretched dive of Hamlyn.

Wildcats came again and, after a fine run and cross from Morrell, Sellick’s first-time effort from close range was agonisingly over the bar.

The Pen Mill keeper claimed well as Milly Howe threatened, before Morrell lifted the ball over the keeper to halve the deficit as the clocked ticked into added time.

But Pen Mill were able to hold out against relentless Wildcats pressure in the final minutes to reach the final.

Wildcats’ player of the match, chosen by former Wellington goalkeeper Ian Nott, was captain Grace Winter.

Ian was representing match ball sponsor NC Groundworks Ltd, while the match was sponsored by Mountbatten Nursing Home. Wildcats are grateful to both companies.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Charlotte Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Leah Morrell, Keeley Coates, Ebony Sellick.  Substitutes: Grayson Kennard, Jess Regan, Milly Howe (all used).

On Sunday, Wildcats are away to Pen Mill Ladies in a league fixture as they look to cement their place in the top half of the table.

You can see a gallery of photos from Robin Steward Photography by CLICKING HERE.