ILMINSTER Town have parted company with manager Andy Dyke.

The Blues, who sit bottom of the Uhlsport Somerset County League Premier Division with one point from five games, lost 3-0 at Nailsea United on Saturday.

On the morning of the game, Ilminster released the following statement: "It is with great disappointment that the club announce that Andy Dyke will no longer be continuing in his role as Ilminster Town FC first team manager.

"The decision was made by all parties involved this week when both Andy and the club agreed it was time to go our separate ways.

"Andy was appointed as caretaker manager early in the 2018/19 season, with the club struggling for results in the Somerset County Premier Division,.

"Andy turned the fortunes around very quickly and, with the help of George Hamill, led the team to their record points total in the division.

"Unfortunately over the summer George moved on from the club and Andy also took on a number of additional commitments outside the club.

"This change in circumstances led to Andy having limited time available and also this meant that Andy was very stretched.

"Several conversations have taken place in recent weeks but, in the end, it was agreed that it would be best for both to have a clean break.

"Andy has been involved in the club for a very long time and his commitment to the club is unquestionable, therefore we have no doubts that our paths will cross again.

"In the meantime all at the club wish Andy all the best in all his ongoing endeavours."

Somerset League Premier Division

Nailsea Utd 3, Ilminster Town 0

FOLLOWING Dyke's departure, the side travelled to Nailsea United on Saturday hoping to kick-start their season, writes Andy Fish.

But Nailsea, who are unbeaten this season and in great form, were in no mood to allow Ilminster anything.

A bit of luck gifted them the first goal but that was followed by two clinical strikes after the Blues once again failed to take their chances.

Chris May, Lee Sweet and Ben Pitman were all unavailable but the side was strengthened with the inclusion of Kris Hastings, on loan from Wincanton, who replaced Doug Whitfield who has been struggling with an Achilles injury.

Luck was against Ilminster as Jack Rutter, five minutes into his senior debut in goal, was caught out as Nathan Shipway's speculative shot from distance hit a rut on the hard ground and gave the young debutant no chance.

Both sides had half-chances with Ilminster attacking well down the right flank; a great cross-field ball saw Noah Kruszynski at the far post just fail to connect.

Ilminster then played really well for a period, creating three good chances they failed to convert.

Nailsea, on the other hand, went two-nil up on the half-hour when, after Matt Day found himself in space, a cross-field ball was turned in by Joe Pratt.

The Blues had a good go at reducing the deficit, matching the home side but, after the defence stopped thinking the ball was going out of play the Nailsea striker kept running and headed the ball back across for Pratt to score his second of the afternoon.

After this, Nailsea sat deep and dictated play, restricting Ilminster to a couple of half chances.

The performance was better than last week with the side showing real commitment but, once again, the failure to take chances once again cost the team any chance of getting a result against a good side who moved into the top four with this win.

Ilminster: Jack Rutter, Owen Burn, Rich Crabb, Brad Pitman, Noah Kruszynski, Luke Paul, Kris Hastings, George Gilman, Carl Lazenby, Taylor Jefferson, Andy Whitefield. Subs: Mitch Hooper, Charlie Rutter.

On Saturday, Ilminster play a Somerset Senior Cup first round tie at home to Division 2 side AFC Bridlington (kick-off 2pm).

Somerset League Division 3

Congresbury 3, Combe St Nicholas 1

COMBE'S young squad went to Congresbury with both teams near the top of the league.

The visitors started well and got on the front foot with Joe Allen and Jack Steer both going close.

The home side looked dangerous on the counter-attack and eventually took the lead with a fine finish.

With the half going into the final few minutes, Kieran Manley and Jack Steer both went close but the home keeper kept them out.

In the second half, the Saints continued to press and Kieran Manley scored when put through one on one with the keeper.

Combe had their tails up and could have had a penalty after good work by Dan Anjos who crossed for Kieran Manley to score but was being held back but the referee waved play on.

The home side got the next goal with a long range strike and secured the points with a header in the last couple minutes.

Manager Darren Manley said: "We played well and 3-1 wasn't a fair result.

"We'll dust ourselves down and go again this week."

On Saturday, Combe are at home to Bristol Spartak in the first round of the Somerset Senior Cup (ko 2pm).