Vitality Women’s FA Cup
Third round qualifying
Ilminster Town 0, Southampton 4

A SECOND shock win over a National League Division 1 South West side proved beyond Ilminster Town Ladies on Sunday, as Southampton Women ended their Women’s FA Cup hopes.

The Blues had stunned Poole Town 4-1 in the previous round, but whereas Poole are bottom of the division above Ilminster, Southampton are flying high at the top of it.

The hosts would need to be at their best at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, and hope for a little bit of luck.

Ilminster set up a little differently to previous weeks with assistant manager Helen Bleazard dropping into a back five, and Charlie Pettinger making her first start of the season, partnering captain Sarah Miller in midfield.

Southampton were knocking the ball around confidently in the opening stages, but the Blues were resilient and organised, and Jodi Cornwall came close after getting on the end of Bleazard’s free-kick.

The opening goal came 30 minutes in, as Phoebe Williams found the top corner from the edge of the box, and a mistake at the back allowed Alisha Ware to make it 2-0 right on half-time.

The hosts introduced Chloe Martin and Abbie Carslake off the bench, and they continued to work hard, keeping their shape and holding firm.

It remained 2-0 until the 74th minute, when a tiring Ilminster side saw their hopes ended by Ware’s second goal, and the visitors added a fourth through Ella Pusey, who beat goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson from an almost impossible angle..

Ilminster Town: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Hannah Billing, Helen Bleazard, Georgia Mann, Dana Andrews, Sarah Miller (c), Charlie Pettinger, Jodi Cornwall, Colette Martin, Harriet Kelly. Subs (all used): Chloe Martin, Abbie Carslake, Lannece Hole, Sarah Tobin, Graziely Esperanca.

Player of the match: Charlotte Johnson and Georgia Mann.

***

ILMINSTER Town Ladies Reserves' trip to Somerset Women's League leaders Keynsham Town Reserves went according to the formbook, with home side winning 10-0.

The Blues did play some good football in the opening quarter of an hour and defended solidly, but Keynsham broke the deadlock after 17 minutes.

The hosts' superior quality showed as they went into half-time with a 4-0 lead.

More potent attacking play and clinical finishing saw six more goals scored after the break.

Vicky Vipond led the way for Keynsham with a hat-trick.

Ilminster: Gina Walsh, Rachel Winters, Daisy Charles, Holly Burn, Lily Wheeler, Shell Lawrence, Kelly Andrews (c), Flo Halkyard, Nicola Johnson, Steff Edgeworth, Lesley Spearing. Subs (all used): Kitty Knight, Chelsea Board, Chloe Park.

Player of the match: Holly Burn.