Uhlsport Somerset County League
Premier Division
Ilminster Town 3, Clevedon United 1

CLEVEDON United were the opposition on a bright early spring afternoon, with the visitors enjoying a good run of form, writes Andy Fish.

But it was Ilminster who took all three points with a professional, if not spectacular, performance thanks to three headers from set-pieces.

Will Spurway was absent and replaced by Carl Lazenby in the only Blues change from last week.

Ilminster started slowly as Clevedon very nearly took the lead, as Doug Whitfield was slow to react, leaving Chris May to make a point-blank save.

The hosts finally got going when Lazenby made a great run across the box, he cut it back to Charlie Rutter, whose first shot was blocked and he sent the rebound over.

Then a free-kick was won on the right and a great delivery from Brad Miles was powerfully headed home from Luke Paul to make it 1-0.

Back came Clevedon as they pushed for an equaliser, and Paul twice swept up to avert danger.

The Blues have a good habit of coming out well after the break and were soon on the attack, Paul getting up well at the far post to head in his and the hosts' second goal.

Taylor Jefferson came on for Brad Pitman and was soon in the action with some lively runs.

Another corner was won, and again Sweet delivered in to the box, where Lazenby showed real bravery to score.

Unfortunately for Clevedon, young Sam Cooper went down injured and there was a half-hour delay while an ambulance was called.

Alex Paul then came on for his 300th first team appearance for the club.

Clevedon pulled a goal back with Ilminster all over the place, and if it wasn’t for a brilliant Chris May save, where he tipped over a goalbound effort, it could have been a nervous end.

A ninth win of the season took the Blues into the top half of the table

Ilminster: Chris May, Josh Phillips, Luke Paul, Doug Whitfield, Brad Pitman, Brad Miles, Lee Sweet, Ben Pitman, Carl Lazenby, Charlie Rutter, Andy Whitefield. Subs (used): Taylor Jefferson, Alex Paul.

On Saturday, the Blues are away at Shirehampton, who sit fourth and boast 30-goal Scott Bamford, the division’s top scorer.