Somerset County Division 1W
Ilminster Town 2, Combe St Nicholas 1

A LATE pitch inspection at Ilminster meant this eagerly-anticipated local derby match was given the go-ahead despite a very heavy surface, writes Andy Fish.

Ilminster were rewarded with young midfielder Sam Rowswell emerging the hero with two fine goals in a hard-fought 2-1 victory in front of a large Christmas Eve crowd.

Despite the heavy conditions, both sides played football from the back and it was Combe who took the lead when Liam Riste, who was with Ilminster at the start of the season but left after getting limited opportunities, scored his seventh goal in six games.

Riste could have doubled his side's advantage on the half-hour but for a smart save from Casper Paine in the home goal.

Rowswell, who recently joined Ilminster from Merriott Rovers, has proved a fine asset with three goals already from five matches in his wide left midfield role since stepping up to Senior football.

He equalised when, after cutting into the penalty box, he produced a fine strike from the angle to take the sides in at the break level at 1-1.

Ilminster won a free-kick 25 yards out at the start of the second half and Rowswell pulled rank over some of his more senior team-mates.

This proved the right decision as his well-hit low shot found the bottom right-hand corner, despite Alex Cunold, in the Combe goal, getting a hand to it.

Both sides kept playing football in this evenly-matched second-half but, as the half progressed, Combe pushed for the equaliser with left winger Tom Sullivan always looking dangerous.

Combe created one good chance right at the death but, with Riste leaning back, he fired over when well placed; in all fairness to the visitors, a draw would have been a fair result.

For Ilminster, both striker Joe Simmonds, who led the line well, and right back Darren Brown had outstanding games against their old club – but it was Rowswell who was man of the match.

Ilminster: Casper Paine, Darren Brown, Josh Parsons, Jon Manley, Aaron Sweet, Sam Rowswell, Matt Brown (Dan Smith), Paul Nichols (capt), Joe Simmonds, Chris Nezianya (Jack Male), Taylor Jefferson. Sub not used: Jason Manley.