Somerset County Premier

Ilminster Town 2 ,Wrington 1

ANOTHER three points and win number 11 as the Blues enjoy one of their most successful seasons in the top flight of the Somerset County League for many a season, writes Andy Fish.

But Ilminster didn’t have it all their own way as, comfortably leading 2-0 with ten minutes remaining after completely dominating the second half, where they should have been at least five goals clear, a late Wrington goal gave the visitors hope.

If it was not for a match-saving tackle by Will Spurway right at the death it could have been two points thrown away.

Ben Pitman, Taylor Jefferson and skipper Charlie Rutter all returned to the starting XI, while Andy Whitefield, Carl Lazenby and Alex Paul were on the bench.

Ilminster attacked from the start with Brad Miles shooting over after five minutes and then from a Miles corner Charlie Rutter got up well only to put his free header inches wide.

Wrington defended in numbers but were dangerous on the break.

Ilminster kept probing and a long throw from Brad Pitman was flicked on by Rutter but Lee Sweet headed over.

As the half drew to a close there were half-chances for Jefferson and Luke Paul from a corner.

Ilminster picked up the pace after the break and, within three minutes, Miles hit the bar with a looping header.

This was much more like it with Spurway and Miles bossing the midfield.

When the breakthrough came it was route one: a long throw from Brad Pitman bounced in the 18-yard box and, with his back to goal, Jefferson executed the perfect overhead kick for a fantastic goal.

Next, Miles picked up the hall on the edge of the box before finding the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Wrington visibly tired and, twice, Jefferson was through one-on-one with the keeper but both times the keeper came out on top.

The changes were then made and with Alex Paul showing real endeavour linking play well, there were further chances for Josh Phillips and Lazenby, but the Blues could not kill the game off.

Wrington won a corner and despite Chris May saving the first effort the rebound was tucked away by Ben Griffith to make it 2-1 and a nervy ten minutes remained.

Wrington worked a great opening after sloppy play in the midfield from Ilminster but Will Spurway read the danger and made a match-winning tackle to give his side the three points.

The match was Sponsored by Broomhead & Saul Solicitors who picked out Brad Miles as their star man.

While Bonners Butchers sponsored the new man of the match award and this went to the ever-improving Josh Phillips for another impressive display.

Ilminster - Chris May, Luke Paul, Josh Phillips, Doug Whitfield, Brad Miles, Brad Pitman, Ben Pitman, Lee Sweet, Charlie Rutter, Will Spurway, Taylor Jefferson. Subs (used) - Alex Paul, Carl Lazenby, Andy Whitefield.

Next week, the side are away at Clutton, who sit fourth from bottom - a false position a seven points were taken away for playing an unregistered player.

Clutton won 2-1 on Saturday away at Clevedon United, their 10th win of the season.