Somerset County Women’s League division one: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 1, Portishead Ladies Reserves 0
Our Wildcats Ladies produced one of their finest performances to date with a disciplined and determined display to edge out previously unbeaten Portishead Reserves at the Carly Press Ground.
Player of the match Robyn Stockman with Izzy Webb, match ball sponsor.
The result marked Wildcats’ third consecutive home victory and lifted them to second place in the table.
Roared on by a strong and vocal home crowd, Wildcats started brightly, dictating play and pressing high up the pitch. Their early dominance restricted Portishead to a single first-half effort, while the hosts created several good chances of their own.
The breakthrough arrived after a superb passage of play, ending with a clever one-two between player of the match Robyn Stockman and Georgia Purdy.
Purdy’s initial strike was brilliantly saved by Portishead’s own player of the match, keeper Katelyn Darbon, but the rebound ricocheted back to Purdy, who slotted over the line for a deserved opener.
As well as attacking effectively through the centre, Wildcats also made excellent use of the strength and pace of Milly Howe and Stockman in the wide channels, stretching play and pulling open the Portishead midfield and defence.
This width gave the hosts constant attacking outlets and forced the visitors on to the back foot throughout the half.
Wellington continued to control the tempo, with Leah Morrell twice denied by fine saves and a third effort edging agonisingly wide of the post.
Much of the attacking creativity stemmed from Charlotte Ayers and Purdy, who linked well with Tash Hole and later Keeley Coates, their quick passing and close control repeatedly carving open the visitors’ back line.
Ayers was commanding in midfield, breaking up play and keeping the visiting captain quiet, while Grayson Kennard impressed at right back — strong in the tackle and confident going forward.
Howe, deployed in an unfamiliar left-midfield role, adapted superbly to provide width, energy, and defensive cover when required.
After the break, Portishead enjoyed more possession, but Wildcats’ back line stood firm. Emily Ayers and Tenika Goss were outstanding in central defence, producing crucial tackles alongside captain Grace Winter and showing real composure under pressure.
Portishead almost snatched an equaliser at the death, hitting the upright with a rare effort before the ball was cleared to safety.
This was a fully committed, high-quality team performance from the Wildcats — one which underlined their growing confidence, strength in depth, and belief that they can challenge at the top of the table this season.
Wildcats would like to thank match sponsor Davey & Prouse and ball sponsor Izzy’s Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for their continued support
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Georgia Purdy, Charlotte Ayers, Milly Howe, Tash Hole, Leah Morrell. Substitutes: Keeley Coates, Imogen Edmondston-Low (used). Nyima Touray, Danielle Bond (not used).
Wildcats take a break from league action next week as the visit Weston Mendip Women in the league cup.
Action shots courtesy of Portishead Town AFC.
