Somerset County Premier
Chilcompton Sports 7, Ilminster Town 0

WITH a midweek rearrangement, the match away to reigning champions Watchet was replaced by the equally difficult fixture against leaders Chilcompton Sports, writes Andy Fish.

The three most senior players - Jon May, Chris May and Charlie Rutter - were missing, so this was the most inexperienced first team ever put out by Ilminster.

With first team back-up keepers Owen Male and Caspar Paine also unavailable, Paul Gold stepped up from the Colts to play in goal 11 years after his last first team appearance.

Seventeen-year-old Andre Anjos was given his first start and there were debuts for 16-year-olds Mitchell Hooper and Owen Burn.

The game started badly for the Blues when a mishit back pass allowed the Chilcompton centre forward to nip in to make it 1-0. 

Ilminster had had their chances, with both Charlie Berrington and Taylor Jefferson going close, but the home side increased their lead on the stoke of half-time.

Ilminster held out for 10 minutes of the second half but then the floodgates opened as Chilcompton netted five goals in a 15-minute spell.

Jack Male took the captain’s armband and was inspirational, covering every blade of grass.

All the youngsters gave everything but came across a side that were far too good for them on the day.

Ilminster: Paul Gold, Luke Paul, Karl Davies, Adam Male, Jake Woodard, Ben Pitman, Jack Male, Tom Sullivan, Andre Anjos, Taylor Jefferson, Charlie Male. Subs (used): Mitchell Hooper, Ryan Mustchin, Owen Burn. 

IT’S Somerset Senior Cup action on Saturday when Street Reserves are the visitors (2.30pm).

South West Women’s League Premier Division
Middlezoy Rovers 3, Ilminster Town 1

ILMINSTER Town slipped to their second defeat of the season on Sunday as they were beaten by Middlezoy Rovers.

The hosts took the lead when a free-kick was floated into the Ilminster box and Sarah Carling poked home from close range. 

Anusia Rourke doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, but Ilminster pulled one back when Maisie Poole seized on a loose clearance and fired home from 25 yards.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed after the break, however, as Carling added her second to seal the points for Zoy.

On Sunday, Ilminster host Exeter City Ladies (2pm).