South-West Women’s League Eastern Division
AEK Boco 3, Ilminster Town Ladies 1

TOWN went to fellow promotion hopefuls AEK Boco, for a game which felt more like a cup final than a regular Sunday league game.

Travelling with a weakened squad, Ilminster had to travel with a bare 11.

Club captain Sarah Miller returned, with Molly Bidgood gaining another call-up to the first team.

The first half saw very few chances for either side.

Good balls from Miller, and midfield counterparts Megan Purchase and Maisie Poole, found Shannon Crouch, but they usually left her with a lot to do.

Chances also came through the excellent hold-up play of Bidgood, leading the line on her own.

The visiting defence was strong, full-back Sammie Knight notably clearing the ball off the line, but the hosts got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute.

A free-kick from just outside the box took a few ricochets and fell kindly for a finish from six yards out.

Their second goal came following a clearance after a good bit of Town pressure; the ball found an attacker who carried the ball 30 yards and scored emphatically past keeper Kath Parsons.

Five minutes later, Boco added their third direct from a free-kick which sailed into the net.

Town scored a consolation in the 90th minute, as clever work from young midfielder Poole saw her wriggle her way through the defence, only to be pushed from behind in the penalty area.

Up stepped top goalscorer Crouch, who struck the penalty calmly straight down the centre of the goal.

It was another strong performance from a young Town team.

Player of the match: Sammie Knight.

The ladies’ next game is on Sunday when they host Cheltenham Civil Service (ko 2pm).