Somerset County League
Premier Division
Stockwood Wanderers 7, Ilminster Town 0

ILMINSTER arrived at Stockwood on Saturday to find their opponents right up for the match, as they needed a win to ensure survival, writes Andy Fish.

There was even a dead rat in the changing room waste bin and the scare tactics seemed to work, as the hosts dominated from start to finish, scoring seven.

With keeper Chris May absent, Paul Gold stepped in between the sticks.

Wanderers scored after just 30 seconds, when a long throw caused confusion in the Ilminster box, and by half time they were 4-0 up.

Gold injured his shoulder making a save and Doug Whitfield, with no experience, donned the gloves.

Alex Paul worked hard up front but the Blues could not fashion a shot on target.

In truth, Ilminster have not been good enough since Christmas to stay in the Premier Division.

With only a small catchment area, it is difficult to get in players of County League quality, while losing club captain Jonny May and the experienced Chris Nezianya to injury has not helped matters.

It means the Blues go into tonight’s match with Bridgwater Town Reserves needing at least a draw to secure survival.

Ilminster - Paul Gold, Luke Paul, Karl Davis, Ben Pitman, Jake Woodard, Adam Male, Alex Paul, Brad Miles, Taylor Jefferson, Charlie Rutter, Rich Crabb. Subs: Brad Pitman, Doug Whitfield.

***

South West Women’s League
Premier Division
Ilminster Town Ladies 0, Torquay United Ladies 2

ILMINSTER Town Ladies were determined to end their run of four straight defeats, but knew it would be a tough test against high-flying visitors Torquay United on Sunday.

With keeper Charlotte Johnson missing, Ilminster called on Chelsea Board to step up, and she produced a couple of fine saves.

Torquay started well, creating half-chances, but Ilminster hit back through Erin Bloomfield who went close.

Yet for all the effort on show, it was goalless at the break.

It only took five minutes of the second half for the visitors to break the deadlock, with a well-struck shot from Sarah Smith.

Their lead was doubled within five minutes, as Smith again found the net with an even better strike.

Bloomfield and Amy Burge both broke forward for the hosts but couldn’t quite find the target, and so Torquay left with all three points.

Player of the match was Ilminster captain Sarah Miller.

Ilminster: Chelsea Board, Hannah Billing, Shannon Crouch, Daisy Charles, Dana Andrews, Amy Burge, Megan Purchase, Sarah Miller (c), Maisie Parker, Colette Martin, Erin Bloomfield. Subs: Amy Goss, Charlie Pettinger.

This coming Sunday sees Ilminster end their long season with a home game against AEK Boco (ko 2pm); a good home support would be greatly appreciated.

Ilminster Ladies Reserves had a better day of it, thumping Hamilton Ladies 17-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Chairman’s Cup, and they will play Merriott Rovers for a spot in the final.