WELLINGTON Wildcats are through to the quarter-finals of the Somerset County Women’s League Cup following a penalty shootout (4-3) at home against Frome Town after the sides had fought out a 2-2 draw.

Wildcats started sharply and took the lead in the seventh minute; Imogen Edmondston-Low tapping home from close range after Ebony Sellick’s header from Emily Ayers excellent corner was only half cleared.

Frome rallied but found Wildcats defence in top form with both Ayers and Tenika Goss making good clearing headers. At the other end Leah Morrell and Robyn Stockman both had good efforts claimed at the second attempt by the away keeper. On 17 minutes Wildcats were dealt a blow when ‘keeper Bianca Hamlyn took an accidental boot to the head when making a save and had to be carried off.

Grayson Kennard stepped up to take the gloves. With Wildcats needing to adapt to the new line up, Frome saw this as a chance to level, which they did with a speculative effort from long range. Frome continued to press and Kennard was called into action to clear from a corner with Goss also making a last ditch clearance to keep the scores level.

However, Wildcats bounced back superbly; Milly Howe had shot blocked by a sliding defender before, on the stroke of half-time, Wildcats regained the lead when a long throw into the box from Sellick was only partially cleared by Frome and Charlotte Ayers was on hand to smash home from the edge of the area.

Wildcats came out for the second half and battled for every ball as they looked to maintain their lead. Georgia Purdy, exceptional in the middle of the park, won every aerial challenge (and there were many), and at the back captain Grace Winter made several excellent tackles as Wildcats did all they could to prevent any shot on their goal.

Purdy and Charlotte Ayers were dominating the midfield and were able to thread the ball to their wide players who were able to get past their defenders with ease, but balls into the box were met by the very able Frome central defenders. Arguably, against the run of play, Frome equalised, albeit with a very well controlled touch and finish from their striker.

Having passed all necessary checks Hamlyn returned to the field on 75 minutes. In the remaining minutes Wildcats pushed for a winner and looked the team most likely to score, Keeley Coates coming closest for Wildcats, but with just three minutes remaining it was Frome who almost broke Wildcats hearts, striking the crossbar from the edge of the area after breaking through the Wildcats defence. There was still time for Wildcats to win in normal time, Sellick racing on to a long goal kick, but her shot went narrowly over the bar as the final whistle went.

Grayson Kennard kept goal excellently for over an hour, but Wildcats player of the match, sponsored by Talk to Piers Mortgage Advice, was Georgia Purdy. The club are thankful to Piers Colegate, who also sponsored the game

Wildcats: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Imogen Edmondston-Low, Georgia Purdy, Charlotte Ayers, Robyn Stockman, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick. Subs (all used): Milly Howe, Keeley Coates, Chloe Payne, Christina Seaborne.

Wildcats would like to express sincere thanks to Wellington School for accommodating the fixture at short notice