Uhlsport Premier and First Division Cup: Keynsham Town Reserves 1-2 Ilminster Town

This Somerset County Division One/Premier League last sixteen cup match never really sparked into life until the 75th minute when Keynsham scored a scruffy goal to go 1-0 up, writes Andrew Fish.

The Ilminster Management team had already changed things by bringing on from the bench Evan Howse and Thomas Lee, after the goal Drew Stride and Chris Nezianya were also brought on, with the four substitute’s adding much needed energy and impetus to reignite the team after they fell behind.

Howse made a strong run down the right and his cross found Lee Sweet who laid it into the path of Kieran Manley who squeezed the ball home at the far post to make it 1-1 in the 80th minute.

The game had really opened up now as the hosts broke forward, Jack Rutter kept the scores level with a good save in the 83rd minute.

With the match due to go straight to penalties after the 90 minutes, Tom Case then began a fine counterattack with a sweeping team move from back to front, Sweet linked with Manley who played a though ball for Howse who smashed it home from 25 yards out to make it 2-1.

It was certainly a goal worthy of winning any match from the young forward.

Earlier Ilminster had dominated possession in the first half , Lewis Trusson had threatened on occasions with neither side having an effort on goal.

Both sides then cancelled each other out in the second half to Keynsham scored the opening goal.

In past seasons this is a match the team would have lost 1-0 after finding themselves down with only 15 minutes remaining , the side now have a little more resilience and move into the last eight of this League cup match after the late comeback.

Lee Sweet impressed throughout and was involved in both goals, taking the star man vote.

Mention must be made to the referee Joe Rout from Weston-Super-Mare who had an excellent match in the middle.

Next week it’s back to League action where the team travel to Wrington Redhill, the match kicks off at 3.00pm.

Team: Jack Rutter, Owen Burn, Callum Lacey, Tom Case, Kris Hastings , Lee Sweet, Elliott Calvert, Lewis Trusson, Taylor Jefferson , Joe Allen  Kieran Manley.

Subs Used: Evan Howse, Chris Nezianya, Thomas Lee, Drew Stride.