WELLINGTON Wildcats U13s made it four wins on the bounce at Ilminster in a fast paced game with a convincing 3-1 win to end their season in style.

Second place in the league was secured a couple weeks ago but as always, the groups hunger to improve and represent the club with pride and passion emanated from the first whistle.

India G and Flo N, along with Lola S and Mckayla H settled well into midfield, controlling the game and creating plenty of space for each other, and for leading striker Emilia S to create some early opportunities. With Ilminster penned in and struggling to clear, their keeper miscued a kick from the edge of the box on the 15 minute mark Emilia S pounced with the keeper off the line to score her 27th goal of the season.

Ilminster, unperturbed,  playing their counter attacking brand of football, caused some problems with balls over the top and through the channels that were very challenging. Darcey B in defence, was resolute and brave, and made countless decisions to hold their winger at bay. Imogen M had another strong defensive outing at right back dealing with everything in an assured fashion. The introduction of Isla C in front of the defence ensured that no further threats were made on goal, and subbing on Darcey C and Lacey B in midfield allowed regular advances down the left wing and create additional shooting opportunities that couldn’t be converted.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first, with regular attacking moves utilising three or four players who were difficult for Ilminster to stop. After an attempted shot was blocked, Emelia S was the quickest to react and slotted home in the bottom corner to double our advantage.

This spurred Ilminster on, who came back into the game almost immediately. Captain Jess B had to be on her toes with her partner Frankie P in the centre and they dealt with numerous balls over top and crosses that required communication and bravery. Following a clearance from an attack, an Ilminster player had a ball arrive at their feet and their 20-25 strike beat our keeper for a goal of the season effort halving the Wildcats lead.

Willow P was introduced into midfield and with Ilminster tiring, she caused havoc with Lacey B and McKayla H down the left while Lola S on the right created good opportunities with her freeflow play. On the 65 minute mark another chance arrived for Emilia and her calmness helped complete her hat trick, her 29th for the season and 13th in the last 4 games.

The game was played out in the same fashion as it started - quality passing and effort. Kacie W gave extra legs to support the team and Sophie W taking decisive action in goal to sweep up more through balls, in arguably her best kicking performance of the season. It allowed freedom for the midfield to express themselves and be creative and give the defence a well earned break to refocus in what was the most challenging game they have had.

Willow P and Lacey B were awarded players of the match for their performances in midfield. Relative new players, showing an eagerness to learn, who put their everything into the game to make sure we got over the line.

The Wildcats second place finish with 12 wins from 18, and only conceding 19 goals all season, mean they can really look forwards to the challenge of the U14s league in September."