Somerset County Women’s League division one: Wellington Wildcats Ladies 1, Middlezoy 2
Our Wildcats Ladies brought a challenging but spirited season to a close with a narrow home defeat by Middlezoy in a contest which reflected the determination and character shown throughout the campaign.
Player of the match Milly H with coach Chris Simmons.
Despite being reduced to just ten available players due to injury and unavailability, Wildcats produced an energetic and committed display against a Middlezoy side searching for their first win of the season.
In the end, luck favoured the visitors, but Wildcats pushed them all the way to the final whistle.
The hosts started brightly, using the wide areas effectively through Robyn Stockman and Chloe Payne, who continually stretched the Middlezoy defence and provided valuable outlets throughout the game.
In midfield, Jayda S-H and Georgia Purdy battled tirelessly, refusing to allow the visitors any time on the ball and helping Wildcats remain competitive despite the numerical disadvantage.
Middlezoy opened the scoring before Wildcats responded in style. Emily Ayers stepped for a free kick and delivered a superb strike directly into the net to level the match at 1-1 heading into half-time.
Wildcats defended resolutely for long periods, with the back three of Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers and Grace Winter putting in a determined and disciplined performance under constant pressure.
Behind them, goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn once again demonstrated why she has enjoyed such a strong campaign, producing two outstanding saves to keep Wildcats firmly in the contest.
Unfortunately for Wildcats, the decisive moment came in cruel fashion during the second half when a wicked deflection sent the ball beyond Hamlyn and into the net for what proved to be the winner.
Leading scorer Leah Morrell again epitomised the side’s fighting spirit, running herself into the ground and battling through numerous challenges without the reward her tireless work rate deserved.
Even then, Wildcats refused to give in. Pushing forward in the closing stages, they created two glorious opportunities to draw level again, only to be denied by missed chances as Middlezoy survived a frantic finale to finally secure their first victory of the season.
Not for the first time, Milly H was named Player of the Match thanks to another relentless display, full of energy, commitment and determination.
While results tailed off after Christmas following a hugely promising start which once saw Wildcats sitting second in the table, there remains plenty for the side to be proud about for Wildcats
They finished the season with the second-best defensive record in the league, while Hamlyn also ended the campaign with a league-high five clean sheets — evidence of the organisation and resilience within the squad.
The final result may not have gone their way, but Wildcats closed the season still fighting for each other until the very end.
