Three U16 players stepped up to make their senior debuts and they are pictured with Erin C, who made her fifth appearance. From left: Lola H, Erin C, Florence S and Orlaith C.
Somerset County Women’s League: Paulton Rovers Ladies Reserves 2, Wellington Wildcats Ladies 2
After an excellent Saturday for the club’s junior sides, it was the turn of our Wildcats Ladies to carry that momentum into Sunday — and they did so with a performance full of quality, resilience, and promise for the future.
Captain Grace Winter, left, with player of the match Leah Morrell.
With confidence high across the club, the senior side rose to the occasion. Adding to the positive atmosphere, U16 players — Orlaith C, Florence S, and Lola H — were handed senior debuts, and all three made impressive contributions, showing composure and confidence throughout.
Wildcats made a bright start and took the lead after just seven minutes. Jayda S-H opened her account for the club, finishing off a superb team move. The goal came from excellent triangular play involving Milly H, Georgia Purdy, and Robyn Stockman, with Leah Morrell providing the assist.
Wildcats controlled much of the first half, although Paulton grew into the game towards the break. A crucial moment came when a goalbound effort was dramatically cleared off the line through a determined combination of Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter, and Grayson Kennard, ensuring Wildcats went into half-time 1–0 ahead.
The second half proved more challenging, with Wildcats facing the added difficulty of playing up the slope. Paulton equalised on 63 minutes with a well-taken finish, but Wildcats continued to respond well.
Chloe Payne came agonisingly close to restoring the lead, her excellent turn and left-footed strike crashing against the corner of the crossbar.
Midway through the half, the game was halted following a serious-looking knee injury to Tenika Goss, which understandably stopped proceedings and shifted the momentum.
After the restart, Wildcats regrouped well and went on to regain the advantage. Morrell reacted quickest to a long goal kick, racing through on goal and calmly slotting an early strike beneath the advancing goalkeeper.
As the game entered the closing stages, Wildcats looked set to secure all three points, with keeper Hamlyn producing a brave and well-timed save to deny Paulton. However, deep into stoppage time, a 99th-minute equaliser denied Wildcats a deserved three points, as the game finished 2–2.
Despite the late disappointment, there was plenty to admire in a strong all-round performance.
Purdy was instrumental in linking defence and attack with intelligence and composure, while Morrell’s relentless energy, attacking threat, and decisive contributions deservedly earned her player of the match.
The positive impact of the U16 debutants further underlined the strength and future of the squad, rounding off a weekend which highlighted the continued progress across all levels of the Wildcats setup.
Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Grace Winter, Tenika Goss, Erin C, Chloe Payne, Milly H, Georgia Purdy, Robyn Stockman, Jayda S-H, Leah Morrell. Subs (all used): Florence S, Orlaith C, Lola H.
On Sunday, Wildcats are at home to Bridport Ladies on the 3G pitch at Court Fields School, kick-off 2pm.
