Somerset County Women’s League division one: Banwell Ladies 4, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 2

Our Wildcats Ladies endured a stormy afternoon in every sense as they fell 4–2 to Banwell Ladies, despite a spirited second-half fightback.

Player-of-the-match Robyn Stockman is congratulated by manager Geoff Hamlyn.

Banwell seized control early, striking twice in the opening eight minutes.

Playing away in torrential rain and relentless winds, the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm on a slick, windswept pitch and were further punished when the hosts added a third before the interval.

Trailing 3–0 at half-time, Wellington faced a steep uphill battle against both the weather and a confident Banwell side.

Their challenge grew even tougher during the break when injuries forced changes – Emily Ayers and Grayson Kennard were both unable to continue, prompting a defensive reshuffle. Soon after the restart, Banwell capitalised to extend their advantage to 4–0.

Despite the setbacks, the Wildcats refused to fold. Goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn kept the scoreline in check with two excellent saves while, at the other end, Wellington began to create meaningful chances.

Leah Morrell came agonisingly close to sparking a comeback when her powerful drive thundered against the crossbar.

Persistence finally paid off in the closing stages. On 77 minutes, debutant Tash Hole pounced on a loose ball to score her first competitive goal for the Wildcats.

Just six minutes later, Hole struck again, coolly finishing a flowing move to give Wellington real hope of an unlikely turnaround.

Banwell managed the closing minutes well to protect their advantage, but the Wildcats’ late surge highlighted their resilience and growing attacking threat, offering encouragement for forthcoming fixtures.

Player-of-the-match, sponsored by Mundy Veneer, went to Robyn Stockman, who ran tirelessly from the first whistle to the last, covering ground in both defence and attack and setting the example for her teammates.

With positives to draw from a testing afternoon, the Wildcats will look to carry that second-half spirit into their match.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Charlotte Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Leah Morrell, Milly Howe, Tash Hole.  Substitutes: Jess Regan, Chloe Payne, Imogen Edmondston-Low (all used).

Wildcats are without a game this weekend before a first round league cup match away to Pen Mill Ladies Reserves on Sunday, September 28th.