Ilminster pick up South West Peninsula Premier win

After a challenging run of fixtures, Ilminster Town strengthened their top-four position in the South West Peninsula League (East) with a well-earned win over mid-table Teignmouth.

The Blues began brightly, creating a couple of half-chances before Braeden Symes, playing further forward than usual, cut inside and had his shot blocked by a hand in the 16th minute.

Captain Josh Phillips stepped up and converted the resulting penalty to give Ilminster a 1-0 lead.

Ilminster, for some reason, rather than push on, dropped off the pace after the goal as the visitors got back into the match.

The equalising goal, though, came as the defence overplayed and, winning the ball back on the right-hand side, Tyler Sibal scored from a tight angle.

The match became increasingly end-to-end, and two minutes into added time Sibal showed great vision.

After cutting in on goal, he chose to square the ball rather than shoot.

Shay Allen saved the initial effort, but Harry Breslan reacted quickest to the loose ball and tapped it home to make it 2-1.

Ilminster almost drew level when Lewis Trusson powered through on goal.

With the keeper rushing out to close him down, Trusson lifted the ball over him, only to see it drift agonisingly over the bar.

Ilminster made a change at the break with Harry Manley unable to continue.

Owen Burn slotted into the back four.

It did not take long for the Blues to get back on level terms as, after winning an early corner, Neil Martin headed the ball back across the goal where Phillips used his spring well to climb and head the ball home, 2-2.

The momentum had swung Ilminster’s way, with the hosts looking dangerous every time they attacked.

Ed Butcher then drove strongly into the 18-yard box, but his well-struck shot flew just over.

Trusson was picked out wide and used his pace to beat the full-back before delivering an excellent ball into the box.

Symes was there to apply the finishing touch to a well-worked move, restoring Ilminster’s lead at 3-2.

Ilminster pushed for a fourth goal to make the points safe, with Butcher and Jefferson both going close.

Jack Steer also found the net with a fine finish, only for the effort to be ruled out marginally for offside.

The visitors pushed forward as the game reached over ten minutes of added time.

The defence, though, stood strong with keeper Allen twice catching high balls under pressure to calm the situation.

Great to get back to winning ways, although should have made it easier with a fourth goal.

Lewis Trusson was voted as player of the match.