Somerset Women’s League
Chairman’s Cup final
Ash Rangers Ladies 2, Ilminster Town Ladies Res 0

TWO early goals condemned Ilminster Town Ladies Reserves to defeat in the Chairman’s Cup final, as Ash Rangers Ladies claimed the silverware.

This was the final game of the season for Ilminster’s ladies teams, the Reserves making the trip to Strode College, Street, for their shot at the trophy.

Their opponents finished third in the league above, so Ilminster knew it would not be easy, but having great support on the sidelines would certainly help.

The Blues got off to the worst possible start, falling behind in the fifth minute, as a corner from the left was met by Callie Rice, who diverted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Ash bossed the opening 10 minutes, despite only having 10 players, and doubled their lead in the 11th minute.

A long throw from the left caused problems, and as the ball bounced, Hannah Forse anticipated the ball well and snuck in behind to score.

This second goal seemed to wake Ilminster up, though, and for the reminder of the first half they created the better chances, with Jess Mansfield causing the Ash defence some problems down the right.

Rachel Winters impressed in front of the defence, but the Blues couldn’t get a goal back and the teams went into half time at 2-0.

The second half began much the same way as the first ended, with Ilminster seeing more of the ball, but still they couldn’t quite find a way in behind the solid Ash backline.

Perhaps the best chance of the game for Ilminster fell to Shakira Howard, who found space in the 18-yard box, but the goalkeeper closed her down well.

Further chances fell to Lucy Pitman, Graziely Esperanca and captain Michelle Lawrence, whose darting run into space saw her work an angle on goal from around 20 yards, but her strike was comfortably saved.

Ultimately Ash lifted the silverware, coming out on top of a good contest, with Mansfield and Jess Humphrey being named as joint player of the match for Ilminster.

This wrapped up what was but this has been a great season for both Ilminster ladies teams, which the club hope to build on in the seasons to come.

Ilminster team: Chelsea Board, Kath Parsons, Holly Rogers, Hannah Billing, Jess Humphrey, Jess Mansfield, Michelle Lawrence, Rachel Winters, Graziely Esperanca, Lucy Pitman, Shakira Howard. Substitutions: Hannah McGown, Luzia Costa, Katrina Luckloc.