WELLINGTON Wildcats are through to the semi-finals of the Somerset Women’s Chairman’s Cup following a 5-0 win over Wincanton Ladies at the Playing Field.

Wildcats got their quarter-final tie off to the perfect start with Ebony Sellick netting within the opening five minutes and they never looked back.  They kept up the pressure from the restart and both Georgia Purdy and Keeley Coates hit the crossbar in the eleventh minute after good work on the right flank from winger Robyn Stockman. 

Wildcats’ defence kept their usual high line catching the Wincanton strikers offside on multiple occasions.  Wildcats’ second goal of the afternoon came after they regained possession in midfield and the ball was worked around well before landing at Coates’ feet who struck the ball into the top right corner for her first goal for the Wildcats.  

Almost immediately Wildcats hit the woodwork again, this time it was Stockman seeing her effort rebound off the upright. Unfortunately for Wincanton their defender’s attempted clearance was mishit and it ended up in the back of the net to give Wildcats their third goal of the game; effectively sealing the tie.

In the second half Wildcats continued to press with the majority of the play in the Wincanton half.  In the 52nd minute Purdy hit the back of the net to make it 4-0 after another mix-up in the Wincanton defence.  With Wildcats defence keeping the pressure in the Wincanton half good link play from midfielders Purdy and Emily Ayers and central defender Tenika Goss saw the ball being worked into the box on multiple occasions, but Wildcats were unfortunate not to enhance their total, hitting the side netting and the post on several occasions.  

Another of their former junior players Ella Morgan completed the scoring as she calmly slotted into the bottom right corner of the net for her first goal in senior football, this was after coming on for her debut only minutes before. Wildcats player of the day: Robyn Stockman 

Wildcats: Bianca Hamlyn, Grace Winter (c), Tenika Goss, Naomi Southcott, Bryony Sellick, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Ebony Sellick, Keeley Coates, Leah Morrell, Robyn Stockman. Subs (all used): Imogen Edmondston-Low, Danielle Bond, Ella Morgan

Wildcats Ladies’ are home to Wells City Ladies’ in the semi-final of the Chairmans Cup this Sunday (21st April).  Kick-Off 2pm at the Playing Field.  Please come and support the ladies as they bid to reach the final for the first time.  The clubhouse will be open for drinks, so it should be a good day. All we need is for some nice weather to encourage spectators out to what should be an exciting game.

GEOFF HAMLYN