AFTER two weather related postponements and in front of almost 60 supporters Wellington Wildcats finally got their season going with an excellent 3-2 home win over free-scoring Banwell Ladies on Sunday. 

As expected Banwell were quick out of the blocks and Wildcats’ defence were called into early action.  Banwell continued to press forward and after threatening from two right sided corners they scored from the left hand side after Wildcats failed to deal with the cross. 

Having been well beaten by Banwell twice last season Wildcats could have let their heads drop, but they didn’t and they began to rebuild.  There was some neat play on the right between recent recruits Jess Regan and Grayson Kennard, but they were met by some equalling good defending by Banwell. 

It was from the left that Wildcats grabbed the first of their equalisers.  After excellent work in the middle of the field from the superb Georgia Purdy and the returning Charlotte Ayers the ball was spread wide to Robyn Stockman, she in-turn played a perfectly weighted pass to Leah Morrell who had a couple of touches before smashing home. 

Banwell came again and took the lead for the second time; after beating the initial offside trap they played a series of nice passes before a well-placed effort beat the home keeper.  Grace Winter made a timely tackle as a Banwell striker raced cleared before Wildcats scored a deserved equaliser.  Again from the left foot of Morrell, but this time the provider was Ebony Sellick, who’s initial shot was only parried by the Banwell ‘keeper.  Half-Time 2-2.

The second half was more routine for Wildcats; they controlled the play, but without fully testing the away ‘keeper.  Following two good chances in the 68th minute which saw Wildcats hit the crossbar and the Banwell keeper make a fine save they went ahead for the first time in the match in the 71st minute,  Keeley Coates unleashing a thunderbolt from 35 yards after the ‘keeper’s clearance landed at her feet. 

At the other end, Wildcats shaky start from corners was forgotten as both Tenika Goss and Bianca Hamlyn cleared the lines well.  Wildcats could have increased their margin of victory as both Chloe Payne and Sellick went close, but in the end Wildcats will be very pleased with their afternoon’s work. 

Wildcats Player of the Day, sponsored for the season by Mundy Veneer Ltd was Leah Morrell.  She was presented her award by Wellington AFC chairman Mike Hall who sponsored the match.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Jess Regan, Georgia Purdy, Charlotte Ayers, Robyn Stockman, Leah Morrell, Ebony Sellick.  Subs: Keeley Coates, Chloe Payne, Bryony Sellick, Christina Seaborne (used), Imogen Edmondston-Low (not used)