Uhlsport Somerset County League
Premier Division
Ilminster Town 2, Worle 3

YET another stag weekend left Ilminster Town without top scorer Taylor Jefferson and skipper Charlie Rutter, while Andrew Male deputised for Chris May in goal, writes Andy Fish.

Jake Woodard came up from the Reserves for his first appearance of the season, while there were first team debuts from the bench for both Tom Fletcher and Callum Smith.

Both sides attacked from the off, and after eight minutes, Andy Whitefield was brought down for a penalty; Brad Miles converted from the spot.

But, on 30 minutes, Worle striker Jon Parker levelled, and Male did well to keep out another Parker effort.

After the interval, Carl Lazenby’s great piece of skill allowed him to turn and fire home from 20 yards to put the Blues 2-1 up.

Yet, with an unusually strong wind behind Worle, the hosts were forced back.

A free-kick hit the post and, with Ilminster slow to react, Scott Timberlake swept home the equaliser.

Worse was to follow in the 89th minute, as the ball was bundled home following a goalmouth scramble.

There was still one last chance for Ilminster, as Fletcher knocked the ball back across goal to Chris Nezianya, but his spectacular overhead kick was saved.

Ilminster: Andrew Male, Luke Paul,Josh Phillips, Doug Whitfield, Brad Miles, Brad Pitman, Ben Pitman, Will Spurway, Jake Woodard, Carl Lazenby, Andy Whitefield. Subs (used): Tom Fletcher, Chris Nezianya, Callum Smith.

Eighth place is now assured; since taking over as manager, Andy Dyke has rejuvenated the side, and with good young players coming through hopes are high for next season.

The Blues’ final match of the season is at Nailsea United on Saturday (3pm).

***

South West Women’s League
Premier Division
Ilminster Town 0, Portishead 1

SUNDAY saw Ilminster Town Ladies play their final game of the season, at home to Portishead.

The teams were level on points before the game, and the winner would finish the season in sixth place.

The Blues went behind in the 10th minute, as a free-kick was swung in from the right, goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson tried to punch clear, but it fell for a visiting player to turn it in.

The home side tried to hit back, but although Abbie Carslake, Maisie Parker and Colette Martin all caused the Portishead defence problems, they could not work a clear opening.

The second half was much the same, with both defences limiting shots on goal.

Ilminster could not find an equaliser, meaning an eighth-placed finish – but this has still been a positive season for a young team.

Ilminster: Charlotte Johnson, Georgia Coward, Sammie Knight, Daisy Charles, Dana Andrews, Abbie Carslake, Sarah Miller (c), Charlie Pettinger, Colette Martin, Maisie Parker, Graziely Esperanca. Subs: Poppy Hookings, Lesley Spearing, Hannah Billing.

Player of the match: Poppy Hookings