Ilminster Town 2 Honiton Town 1
After an unanticipated eight-week midwinter hiatus caused by persistent rainfall, Ilminster Town returned to action for their first match of the New Year.
Both teams confronted challenging conditions, as a notably soft pitch significantly hindered playing football.
The Blues dominated the first half going into the break 2-0 up.
Honiton rallied and were a better side in the second half, getting a goal back.
They, though, could not break a solid defence as the Blues held out for the win.
Ilminster started well, and from a Thomas Lee in-swinging corner, the Honiton defender got a touch that deceived the keeper and found its way into the goal to give the side an early 5th-minute lead.
After 20 minutes, Jordan Lovibond made an impressive run into the box, skilfully getting past his marker.
His opponent attempted a last-ditch tackle to stop Lovibond from taking a shot but ended up fouling him and conceding a penalty.
Ed Butcher, who has joined the Blues on loan from Exmouth Town, took the responsibility.
His penalty was initially saved; the rebound though saw Butcher first to the ball as he scored to make it 2-0.
Ilminster pushed for a third goal before the half-time whistle, Jack Steer had a great effort from distance that brought a fine save from the keeper, and skipper Lee Sweet was close when his cross/shot hit the top of the bar.
Honiton demonstrated significant improvement in the second half, re-establishing their presence in the match.
A free kick from the right flank was delivered into the penalty area, where a first-time shot was blocked before the rebound was promptly converted, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
As the match progressed into its final thirty minutes, both teams began to show signs of fatigue.
Ilminster was pressed further back and relied on counterattacks.
Lovibond executed a strong run down the right flank and delivered a well-timed cut-back to Braedan Symes, whose shot narrowly missed the target.
The Ilminster defence stood strong limiting Honiton to only one shot on target that Shay Allen easily dealt with.
Tom Case was voted Man of the Match for a great display in the heart of the defence, where he never put a foot wrong for the whole ninety minutes.
It was just great to get back playing football for the first time since the Boxing Day match away to Bridport and importantly getting some match minutes into the players' legs.
The win was a welcome bonus that takes the Blues back into the top ten of the table.
Team: Shay Allen, Tom Case, Neil Martin, Harry Manley, Lee Sweet, Braeden Symes, Jack Steer, Harvey Saunders, Tom Lee, Ed Butcher, Jordan Lovibond.
Subs used: Josh Phillips, Taylor Jefferson, Evan Howse, Karl Davis.
Ilminster play at home again next Saturday when Middlezoy Rovers travel to the Archie Gooch Pavilion, with the match kicking off at 3.00 pm.
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