FOOTBALL: Spirited Ilminster Town go down fighting against league leaders

TABLE-TOPPERS Chilcompton Sports were always going to be tough opposition when they arrived at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on Saturday (January 13, 2017) to face Ilminster Town.

Ilminster had to field a young side and were missing goalkeeper Chris May, centre-half and captain Jonny May, Doug Whitfield and the suspended Brad Miles.

They knew they were in for a hard afternoon against Chilcompton who went into the game nine points clear at the top of the Premier Division in the Somerset County League.

But with players missing others always have an opportunity to step forward. Sixteen-year-old Kieran Manley was promoted from the bench after his promising debut last week and veteran Danny Whaites took over in goal for his first start of the season.

Chilcompton started well, with both their wingmen hugging the touch line either side, creating extra width, the league leaders showed good neat build-up play and they dominated from the start but the opening goal came out of nowhere when ten minutes in, 22-goal top scorer Ryan Gay picked up the ball some 30 yards out, before advancing and hitting a rocket shot into the top corner that Whaites done well to even get a hand to it.

Ilminster fought back well and Charlie Rutter equalised in the 18th minute when he picked up a loose ball after a defensive mistake and scored from his second attempt after the keeper had blocked his first effort.

But Chilcompton restored their advantage when Whaites hesitated in the penalty box and Jack Mounty was the sharpest to prod home.

Soon it was 3-1 when Jacob Brook-Scully scored from a tight angle, but Ilminster were not finished and with half-time approaching Rutter challenged the keeper and Brad Pitman reduced the deficit by sweeping the loose ball home to leave the Blues 3-2 down at the interval.

Ilminster started the second period on top with Taylor Jefferson introduced from the bench and his pace immediately had Chilcompton on the back foot.

Rutter had a couple of half chances but it was against the run of play that the visitors stretched their lead when a fine counter attacking goal finished by Ryan Childs made it 4-2.

The Blues never gave up and were certainly the better team in the second-half. Substitute Chris Nezianya was unlucky when he got on the end of a Jefferson cross but his deft touch was a fraction high.

With five minutes remaining Adam Male stuck the bar with a brave header in a congested penalty area, but unfortunately was hurt in the challenge and had to leave the field with a head injury. 

An Ilminster Town spokesman said: “Overall this was a spirited display from Ilminster especially with key players missing and in the second-half anyone watching would not have known that Chilcompton were runaway leaders.”

Ilminster Town team: Danny Whaites, Luke Paul, Karl Davis, Adam Male, Jake Woodard, Ben Pitman , Brad Pitman,Jack Male, Tom Sullivan, Kieran Manley, Charlie Rutter (C). Subs used: Taylor Jefferson, Chris Nezianya, Darren Manley.

The Blues are home again at the Archie Gooch Pavilion in Ilminster on Sunday (January 20, 2018) with a 2pm kick-off against fifth-placed Middlezoy Rovers.

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