Somerset County League Premier Division
Ilminster Town 3, Odd Down Res 0

ILMINSTER welcomed back Bath-based Odd Down Reserves only two weeks since their last visit to the Archie Gooch Pavilion in the League Cup, writes Andy Fish.

With Odd Down bottom of the league without a point, Ilminster knew three points would be vital to cement their mid-table standing, but it was the visitors who were the better side early on.

First, a mistake led to the Odd Down striker breaking through to face Chris May, who did well to get his foot to the ball as it bounced just wide.

Ilminster could not get going until midway through the half when Jack Read’s great cross found Charlie Rutter, who headed home.

Soon after, another fine Read cross found Taylor Jefferson, who volleyed the ball in to the roof of the net.

The second half began with Ilminster on the front foot and a third goal was added when Lazenby and Rutter linked brilliantly before Rutter found the corner for his second of the match.

There were further half chances for Jefferson, Lazenby and Andy Whitefield but the Odd Down goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable.

Both 17-year-olds, Jack Read and Josh Phillips, had good matches.

George Hamill and Andy Dyke must be thinking this management game is easy after three straight wins but, with a hard run of fixtures between now and Christmas, tougher tests are to come.

Ilminster: Chris May, Luke Paul, Ashley Lock, Josh Phillips, Doug Whitfield, Brad Pitman, Charlie Rutter, Alex Paul, Carl Lazenby, Jack Read, Taylor Jefferson; Subs used: Karl Davis, Kieran Manley, Andy Whitefield