FOOTBALL: Storm Brian’s no match for Adam Male and his Ilminster Town team-mates

ILMINSTER Town ran out comfortable 4-1 winners over Clutton AFC at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on Saturday (October 21, 2017) on a day when Storm Brian made playing conditions difficult in the Premier Division of the Somerset County League.

The visitors had gained promotion last season as Ilminster did by winning the Somerset County League Division One, but the East Division, rather than West, and with both teams mid-table on 12 points a close match was predicted.

The Blues started well with Brad Pitman having a good chance but he was not set and took his shot too early, while his brother Ben then found himself with space on the edge of the box, but his well struck shoot went wide.

Clutton, with the nickname the Swans, were now coming more into the match and had a great chance to take the lead on the half-hour mark, intercepting a poor pass their striker failed to trouble Chris May as his shot went wide from the edge of the area.

Ilminster were next on the attack with Taylor Jefferson showing good pace and cutting in from the right wing looked set to score but a great  tackle from the Clutton captain Joe Cole stopped him in his tracks.

With half-time approaching and the strong wind behind them Ilminster pushed forward realising that they needed a goal and when a corner was won on the right, Tom Sullivan swung it in to the far post where the unmarked Jefferson headed home.

Within two minutes it was 2-0 after the keeper made a mistake, Sullivan pounced onto the loose ball where he rolled it to Charlie Rutter who in turn found Brad Pitman inside the penalty box and the youngster smashed it home.

With Rutter coming off at half-time due to an ankle injury picked up at Middlezoy the previous week, Doug Whitfield, on loan from Shepton, came on at centre-half to replace Adam Male who  pushed up to lead the line.

As the second-half began with Clutton, having the advantage of the wind, were soon on the attack and a high ball caused problems in the Ilminster area and with Jonny May underneath looking to head clear, Chris May tried to punch the ball and colliding with his brother, got no distance and the Clutton striker hooked the ball home.

Ilminster responded really well and a quick throw in from Karl Davis found Adam Male who crossed for Jefferson to slot home from close range.

Clutton gave it their all as they tried to force their way back into the game and Chris May had to be at his best when pushing over a shot from deep, and also came out on top when faced with a one-on-one.

With 75 minutes on the clock Jefferson won a free-kick some 25 yards old from goal. Adam Male took responsibility and hit an absolute screamer that arrowed into the net.

Male has been fantastic this season playing in a number of different positions, from  centre-half, in midfield or in attack he has never let the side down and his team mates rushed to congratulate him after his wonder goal that was well deserved for another good display at centre-half in the first-half and in attack for the second.

Ilminster Town: Chris May, Luke Paul, Karl Davis, Adam Male, Jon May, Brad Pitman, Jack Male, Tom Sullivan, Ben Pitman, Taylor Jefferson, Charlie Rutter. Subs used:  Andre Anjos , Doug Whitfield, Richard Crabb.

Next week the Blues are away  to Stockwood Green with a 3pm kick-off.

The new look Reserve team under newly appointed Manager Andrew Male are home in the Devon & Exeter Division 5 against Culm United with a 3pm kick-off.

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