Somerset County Division 1W
Ilminster Town 1, Winscombe 0

AFTER last week’s defeat at strugglers Glastonbury, Ilminster knew nothing but a win would do against Winscombe, writes Andrew Fish.

They were one place below the Blues in the table, their good run of form having moved them up to third.

But the hosts had the ideal start, taking the lead after only 10 minutes.

Chris Nezianya raced clear after the Winscombe centre-back misjudged a lofted clearance from Taylor Jefferson deep in his own half.

Nezianya could have chosen to lob the keeper but wisely took it on and by dropping his shoulder the keeper became unbalanced and Nezianya was clinical with his finish.

Winscombe had most of the possession as the first half developed but rarely threatened until a 22nd-minute corner brought a great save from Chris May, tipping a goal-bound header over.

With the score 1-0 at half time, Winscombe began the second half on the attack but the Blues defence stood firm, with centre-backs Jonny Manley and Josh Parsons well in control.

Ilminster then enjoyed their best spell of the game and should have increased their lead, Jefferson having another great run and shot, and Matt Brown volleying just over the bar.

With Chard Town being without a game, Ilminster had their ex-captain Brad Miles on the bench and, after he replaced Nezianya midway through the second half, he showed what a good player he has become at a higher level, dictating the tempo in midfield.

Winscombe had a couple of half chances but with them pushing forward gaps were appearing at the back; Jefferson twice made lung-bursting runs but could not find a finish.

Then Miles and Jefferson linked well and as Jefferson slipped the ball into substitute Joe Simmonds, he missed a golden opportunity to put the game to bed, firing wide from a great position.

But it was not to matter, and as the referee Jim Stephens blew the final whistle there was a loud cheer both from supporters and players.

Jefferson had a great match and done everything but score, and Charlie Rutter – returning to the club after a spell at Shepton Beauchamp – ran himself into the ground.

But it was a great team performance, and boss Jason Manley deserves credit; he could have easily made changes but gave his players the chance to make amends after last week’s defeat and his players repaid that faith.

Second-placed Ilminster are now five points clear of the chasing pack and, with only four games left, they are in a strong position for promotion.

The Blues are at home again this Saturday, aiming for revenge against Glastonbury at the Archie Gooch Pavillion (ko 3pm).

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South West Women’s League
Eastern Division
Ilminster Town v Cheltenham Civil Service (home walkover)

ILMINSTER Ladies (pictured top) were without a game on Sunday but were awarded the points via a home walkover.

They have two away matches left this season, travelling to Team Mendip this Sunday (ko 2pm).

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Somerset Girls Under-15s Cup
Wells City 2, Ilminster Town 2 (aet; Ilminster win 4-2 on pens)

ILMINSTER headed to Wookey Hole having lost to Wells the previous week, and reached the cup final.

Abbie Carslake opened the scoring for Ilminster, but Wells equalised and then went ahead.

Undaunted, Ilminster hit back through Chloe Paul, taking the tie to extra time, where both sides failed to score in a tense battle.

Keeper Tiegan Owen suffered a hand injury so Jessica Osborne stepped up for the penalties.

Osborne started the shoot-out with a save, and Cullingford put away the first one for Ilminster.

Wells made it 1-1, Osborne replied, and Wells levelled again at 2-2.

Abbie Carslake kept her cool to score, Wells missed and Lisa Johnson stepped up to calmly win it.

Manager Mel said: “I’m feeling on top of the world and so proud of every girl’s effort. We look forward to the final.”

Player of the match: Jessica Osborne.