FOOTBALL: Ilminster plan to be positive against runaway leaders

Manager Darren Manley was pleased with virtually every aspect of the Blues’ performance against the more experienced Bristol side.

After an even first 20 minutes, Ilminster lost the ball in midfield and Cutters’ centre-forward took his chance from 20 yards.

Five minutes later the same player had another chance but fired the ball over the bar.

Ilminster soon regained their composure, however, and drew level just before half time.

Lee Sweet unnerved the visitors’ defence with a shot which brought a great save from the keeper.

Then 30 seconds later another shot from Sweet was only parried as far as Charlie Rutter who finished the job.

Manley said: “It was really pleasing the way we kept our patience when we went behind and we were rewarded with the goal.

“We have conceded a goal just before half-time in six or seven matches this season so it was great to finally get one of our own.”

In the second half, the teams again cancelled each other out on a pitch made increasingly heavy by a cloudburst although the game really came alive in the last ten minutes.

Sweet, who has made a big impact during his Christmas break from Bath University, brought a save from the keeper and then hit the bar with a great header from the resulting corner.

But Cutters hit back themselves, forcing keeper Wayne Lewis into a vital save.

Manley said: “Both teams had a really good go and it was an excellent game of football.

“All our lads played well and their increased fitness is really beginning to show.

“We’ve got Shirehampton at home on Saturday and we’ll give it a real go. They are beating everyone at the moment so we’ve got nothing to prove.

“We’ll just go out there, be as positive as we can, and see what happens.”

Ilminster: Wayne Lewis; Jack Jennings, Ashley Locke, Jonny May, George Miles; Alistair Boyer, Lee Sweet, Mike McCormack, Jordan Turner; Charlie Rutter, Chris Nezianya.