Somerset County Division 1W
Ilminster Town 0, Glastonbury Town 1

EVERY team has a bogey team but Glastonbury were deserved winners due to their fighting spirit and dogged defence, writes Andy Fish.

Ilminster’s home fixture, just two weeks after the away match (Glastonbury won 1-0), completely mirrored the first meeting.

It was an even first half, with Glastonbury taking their one chance, and although Ilminster dominated the second period they were unable to break down the visitors’ 10-man defence.

Glastonbury had the first shot on target when player-manager Nick Mortimer took a free-kick, but trying to be clever and rolling it under a jumping wall his shot was easily blocked.

The key flashpoint came in the 25th minute, when the physical Glastonbury striker provoked Josh Parsons.

Parsons, who has been in tremendous form this season, lost his head and, right in front of the referee Dave Middleton, kicked out at the forward, so was deservedly sent off.

Down to 10 men, the Blues finally woke up and attacked with more purpose, Sam Rowswell having a good shot well saved after a swift counter-attack.

On the half hour, Glastonbury then put together a good move and a clever pass found striker James Baskett with enough time inside the 18 yard box to make no mistake with his finish.

Ilminster then created a great chance when a long throw was flicked on by Charlie Rutter, but Matt Brown shot too close to the keeper.

With 40 minutes on the clock, referee Middleton blew for half time, explaining that his timer had gone off, increasing the Blues’ frustration.

Glastonbury’s physical approach forced Jason Manley to make changes to his team at the interval, bringing on Jonny May and Taylor Jefferson.

After the break, Ilminster were on the front foot and May got in a great shot that was well saved by the keeper.

Joe Simmonds’ shot forced another fine save, and from the corner Chris Nezianya produced great skill to create an opening, but couldn’t find a finish.

With time running out there was still time for Rutter to hit the top of the bar with a header, and a Matt Brown corner was headed back across the goal by Rutter, only for May to head just over.

It was deja vu, as even with 10 men the Blues dominated but could not break down the Orange Wall.

Ilminster: Matt Bisgrove, Darren Brown, Josh Parsons, Jonny Manley, Aaron Sweet (Joe Simmonds), Sam Rowswell (Jonny May), Paul Nichols, Matt Brown, Jack Male (Taylor Jefferson), Charlie Rutter, Chris Nezianya.

Ilminster, who stay second, are without a fixture on Saturday; next up is an away derby at Combe St Nicholas on Good Friday (ko 3pm), followed by an Easter Monday clash at promotion rivals Winscombe (ko 3pm).

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South West Women’s League
Eastern Division
Team Mendip 0, Ilminster Town 2

MAISIE Poole scored twice to overcome fierce resistance from bottom side Team Mendip and keep Ilminster Town third in the table.

The hosts frustrated the Blues and looked like they might earn a share of the points until Poole’s brace 10 minutes from time won the game for the visitors.

Ilminster: Kathryn Parsons, Sammie Knight, Dana Andrews, Megan Arlidge, Daisy Charles, Emma Jennings, Tia Shoemark, Graziely Rezende Esperanca, Sarah Miller, Maisie Poole, Shannon Crouch. Substitute: Lauren Clarke.

The Blues stay third in the standings, a point ahead of Oldland Abbotonians, who have two games remaining this season to Ilminster’s one.

Oldland travel to second-placed AEK Boco this coming weekend, before hosting Ilminster on Sunday, April 16 (ko 2pm) – the final league match of the season for both sides.

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THE Ladies Reserves were beaten 13-1 on Sunday by Somerset County Division 2 leaders Weston super Mare on Sunday.

Chelsea Board scored the consolation for Ilminster, who are seventh (second bottom) in the table having played all their games.

Looking ahead, the Ladies Reserves have appointed a new manager for next season.

Lee Smoldon, who is the current Winsham Ladies manager, has agreed to take on the role.