Somerset County Premier
Ilminster Town 3, Stockwood Green 0

BANK Holiday Monday saw mid-table draw specialists Stockwood Green at Ilminster, writes Andy Fish.

The Blues side was freshened up with four players who did not play on Saturday, as back came Brad Miles from suspension and Alex Paul from injury, with Jake Woodard and Carl Lazenby also brought in.

Both sides cancelled each other out as the hot weather took its toll during a goalless first half.

Ilminster were well on top as half-chances came and went, and midway through the second half took the lead with a spectacular overhead kick from Carl Lazenby.

Brad Miles swung in a corner that reached Alex Paul at the far post and rather than shoot from a tight angle the experienced Paul took his time before crossing into the penalty box where Lazenby, with the ball slightly behind him, produced the acrobatics to give his side the lead.

Five minutes later, Taylor Jefferson missed a one-on-one with the keeper and Stockwood went close to equalising when, after a rare attack, Karl Davis did well to clear off the goalline.

Jefferson then made up for his earlier miss, when another determined run from the left ended with him cutting in and scoring via a deflection for his 15th goal of the season.

Alex Paul then ran through and made no mistake from the edge of the box to give the Blues a well deserved victory.

Things are very tight at the bottom of the table, but a single victory or two draws for Ilminster will guarantee at least a fifth-from-bottom finish.

The Blues go to Stockwood Wanderers on Saturday (ko 3pm), while the last match of the season is home to Bridgwater Town Reserves on Tuesday, May 15 (ko 6.30pm).

Ilminster Town 2, Nailsea Utd 3

SEVENTH-PLACED Nailsea were the visitors on Saturday and, due to injuries and suspensions, Darren Manley named himself at right-back for his first start of the season.

Nailsea started strongly and keeper Chris May twice thwarted the visitors early on.

Ilminster took the lead against the run of play when Taylor Jefferson volleyed home after the visiting keeper Jack Smith fumbled a cross.

The visitors equalised just before half-time through a Stuart Lee header, then Harry Hope gave them the lead with a well-hit shot.

The Blues started the second period well and were rewarded when Tom Sullivan crossed to Charlie Rutter, who got up really well to bring the scores level.

Then Chris May, under no real pressure, made a hash of a clearance and Sam Olsen could not believe his luck as he ran through to give his side the lead again.

Rutter went close to equalising but it was not to be for Ilminster.