Vitality Women’s FA Cup
Second round qualifying
Ilminster Town 4, Poole Town 1

ILMINSTER Town Ladies stunned higher league opposition on Sunday, beating Poole Town Ladies 4-1 to continue their FA Cup journey.

Poole play in Division 1 South West of the FA Women’s National League - one level above the Blues in the pyramid - but had lost all four of their league games going into this tie.

By contrast, Ilminster are in good form, and they created a couple of early chances at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, only for Sian Chapman to see her shot well saved and Dana Andrews’ header to fly just over.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, as Colette Martin’s corner found the head of Jodi Cornwall, who guided the ball into the net.

The hosts doubled their lead soon after, as Harriett Kelly broke clear and, with only the goalkeeper to beat, unselfishly squared the ball for Cornwall to slot home.

They were not done there, and took a 3-0 lead into half-time courtesy of full-back Georgia Coward, who picked the ball up 35 yards out and lobbed the keeper, her effort going in off the crossbar and post.

Poole made all of their substitutions at half-time in a desperate bid to rescue the game, but the Blues continued to create chances and had their fourth when Cornwall’s through ball sent Chapman clear, and she coolly slotted the ball past the keeper.

The visitors pulled one back late on from the penalty spot, after home keeper Charlotte Johnson was penalised, but it was too little, too late.

The end of the game was held up by two hours due to a serious-looking injury to a Poole defender, after colliding with her own goalkeeper.

Ilminster wish the injured player a speedy recovery, while celebrating their own progress to the next round.

Ilminster Town Ladies: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Hannah Billing, Georgia Mann, Dana Andrews, Sarah Miller (c), Sian Chapman, Colette Martin, Jodi Cornwall, Lannece Hole, Harriett Kelly. Subs (all used): Charlie Pettinger, Abbie Carslake, Sarah Tobin.

The third round qualifying stage sees Ilminster face another team from the division above them, but one that is bang in form.

Southampton Women have won all four league games, giving them a goal difference of +17, and on Sunday they defeated Helston Athletic 11-0 in their FA Cup tie.

That cup match is due to take place on Sunday, November 1 (1pm), at the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

This coming Sunday (2pm) the Blues turn their attention back to league matters, and a trip to table-topping Marine Academy Plymouth.