Somerset County Women’s League division one: Pen Mill Ladies 2, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 0
In a rematch of their previous week’s cup semi-final, it was Pen Mill who again came out on top as they scored two second half goals to confine Wildcats to a third straight defeat.
Wildcats dominated the first half, but frustratingly couldn’t make the all-important breakthrough their excellent play deserved. Had Pen Mill been three or four down at the interval, they could have no complaints as Wildcats were outstanding.
The hosts were indebted to their keeper who made two fine saves, one from Leah Morrell and a second from a Charlotte Ayers header, while the upright and crossbar came to their rescue on at least four occasions.
Wildcats used the width of the pitch superbly, both Morrell and Robyn Stockman were easily able to round their opposite players, often being fed by Keeley Coates, who again controlled the centre of the field with Ayers and Georgia Purdy who have formed an outstanding partnership this season.
At the other end, Grace Winter, Tenika Goss and Emily Ayers were excellent with their defensive positioning as Pen Mill were unable to break through. On the stroke of half-time, keeper Bianca Hamlyn was called into action for the first time, saving well to her right.
Pen Mill stepped up a gear in the second half and Wildcats needed to be at their best defensively, with, notably, Grayson Kennard putting in an excellent shift at right back.
Pen Mill took the lead midway through the half with their striker finding herself unmarked in the area after evading a tight offside call.
Not to be deterred, Wildcats continued to attack. Morrell pushed one over the bar after being put clear from an excellent Purdy pass, while Ebony Sellick’s pace, a threat all game, was enough to put her clear of the defence, but unfortunately not the keeper, who was quick off her line to thwart any danger.
Pen Mill added a second, arguably against the run of play, as Wildcats were pushing for a leveller, before Milly Howe went close for Wildcats.
Late in the game, an excellent cross from Stockman agonisingly evaded Morrell at the far post
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Charlotte Ayers, Leah Morrell, Keeley Coates, Ebony Sellick. Substitutes: Naomi Southcott, Jess Regan, Milly Howe (all used).
