Somerset County League Division 1W

Ilminster Town 2, Street Res 0

FIRST team coach George Hamill was at a Football Association Goalkeeping course and absent from this top-of-the-table six-pointer, writes Andy Fish.

He left a message in the home team dressing room that asked one simple question: “Promotion - do we want it, Contenders or Pretenders?”

In glorious Spring weather, Jason Manley and his side responded with an excellent first-half performance that saw them 2-0 up at the break, both scored by centre forward Joe Simmonds, and with a dogged second half they left themselves six points clear of Street and the chasing pack.

Manley again went with the three at the back that worked well at Congresbury, and set up with a 3-4-1-2 formation with Chris Nezianya tucked in behind the forwards.

Right from the off, Ilminster were sharper and looked threatening when either Nezianya or Taylor Jefferson picked up the ball and ran at Street.

Sam Rowswell, playing at left wingback, picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and caught it cleanly but could not keep his shot down as it sailed over the bar.

The opening goal came half way through the the first half when Matt Brown crossed to the far post and Joe Simmonds scored with a header.

Matt Brown and particularly Aaron Sweet were now dictating play in the middle of the park and switching play.

With 30 minutes on the clock, a freekick was awarded on the left-hand touchline, and Sweet delivered a great cross into the penalty box that Simmonds attacked with real purpose to volley home his and Ilminster’s second.

Matt Brown could have increased the lead when he made a great run through but fired over on the stretch.

The combative midfielder just needs to add goals to his game to be a top player; a few times this season he has been in similar positions and probably needs to have better balance when shooting.

With a 2-0 lead, Ilminster sat back a little and allowed Street back into the match.

Nezianya dropped deeper to make a five in midfield and both wing backs were now playing almost as fullbacks.

Eighteen-goal top scorer Harry Foster was the danger man and he attacked from a wide left but, with Jack Male and Darren Brown doubling up on him, he was well under control and never had a chance.

Street huffed and puffed but never really created an opening apart from a well-met corner that Matt Bisgrove did well to tip over his crossbar.

Although never planned, it was a dangerous tactic defending a 2-0 lead and the Blues never helped themselves.

Jason Manley was as vocal on the touch line as we have seen him crying out for better delivery into the front men to relieve the pressure.

Captain Jonny May was superb for his team, always in the right place and making some great tackles at times and, in the end, Street just ran out of ideas and Ilminster fully deserved their win.

Joe Simmonds was the man of the match as he gave a real old-fashioned centre forward performance, leading the line well and scoring two fine goals.

Team: Matt Bisgrove, Darren Brown, Josh Parsons, Jonny May (Capt), Aaron Sweet, Sam Rowswell, Matt Brown, Chris Nezianya, Jack Male, Joe Simmonds, Taylor Jefferson. Sub (used) - Charlie Rutter for Taylor Jefferson.