THE ILMINSTER Town Ladies made history this weekend as they advanced to the first round proper of the Women's FA Cup for the first time in the club's history.

They did it in impressive style as well, beating Bristol Ladies Union away from home 8-0.

Player of the match was Sian Chapman who got four assists, there was also a hattrick for Harrie Kelly and Abbie Carslake.

Ilminster travelled with a squad similar to the previous week, but with Hannah Billing and Lauren Paul being added.

 

It was fairly even in the opening exchanges with the quick, youthful home team closing down Ilminster well and the visitors struggled to find a bit of quality with the final ball.

Once Ilminster settled into the game they started moving the ball around well, and the breakthrough came when good play by Sian Chapman threaded the oppositions defence and Harrie Kelly finished well by tucking the ball into the corner.

This was what Ilminster needed and two further goals came in the next ten minutes.

Another great through ball by Chapman met a well timed run by Abbie Carslake who slotted home and a second for Kelly when Georgia Coward broke the back line with a forward pass.

At half time the score was 0-3 in Ilminster's favour.

A couple of changes at half time saw Maisie Parker and Charlie Pettinger introduced.

Ilminster were now in full flow with some great football being played and it didn’t take long for in form Chapman to find Parker with a diagonal ball, who volleyed home the fourth.

Kelly completed her hattrick a couple minutes later to make it five nil to the visitors.

A free kick on the corner of the 18 yard box saw the left foot of Parker get the sixth around the 75th minute.

Ilminster kept good possession, and played some good football for the seventh goal which was scored by Carslake for her second for the day.

A couple minutes later Carslake completed her hattrick which a great strike.

Overall it was a great result and good team performance and it takes Ilminster into the next round.

In the next round, Ilminster have been drawn at home against Sherborne LFC, that game is to be played on Sunday November 14, kick off is 1pm.