Somerset Premier Division: Uphill Castle 4-1 Ilminster Town

Four defensive mistakes cost Ilminster Town against Uphill Castle on Saturday, as the home side took their chances to run out comfortable winners, writes Andrew Fish.

The Blues had been the better side in the first half and seemed to show a lack of believe when they found themselves 3-1 down in the second half.

Uphill took the lead in the 20th minute when the defence switched off, soon after Taylor Jefferson linked well with Evan Howse, the young striker never hesitated and found the top corner with a well stuck shot to bring his side level at 1-1.

Uphill then regained the lead after another error in the Blues back line.

Ilminster then enjoyed their best period of the match, both Jefferson and then Brad Pitman with a great effort from distance both went close.

It was Uphill who scored the all important next goal to go 3-1 up and this seemed to knock the confidence from the side, a forth goal was added with the last kick of the match to add a unfair reflection on the score line.

At times the side played some good football on the fast 3G pitch, Thomas Lee had a great game in the midfield.

Despite the strong individual showings, Ilminster were off the mark as a unit and Uphill Castle made them pay.

Goals came from Jack Askins, Oli Wilcox, Toby Yeates, and Iestyn Owen while an assured display at centre half from Harry Pegler earned him man of the match for Uphill.

Looking at the game from the other point of view, a spokesperson from Uphill Castle said: "Not at our best first half but still went in 2-1 up at the break.

"Going up a level for the second 45 saw the lads score another 2 and put some important points on the board."

Going forward the Blues must believe in themselves as they begin a run of difficult away League fixtures, next up is second in the table Chilcompton, the match kick off at 2.00pm.

Team : Jack Rutter, Owen Burn, Callum Lacey, Harry Manley, Lee Sweet, Harvey Saunders, Thomas Lee, Taylor Jefferson, Jack Steer , Brad Pitman,  Evan Howse Subs Used:

Elliott Calvert, Joe Allen, Tom Case, Chris Nezianya, Kris Hastings