WELLINGTON Wildcats Ladies maintained their perfect home record at the Carly Press Ground with a hard-earned 2–0 victory over Paulton Rovers Ladies Reserves in the first division of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

On an afternoon marked by intermittent rain and a slick playing surface, Wildcats showed both quality and composure to claim their second successive home win, thanks to a well-taken brace from Leah Morrell.

Wildcats set the tempo early, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. Keeley Coates, Tash Hole, and Robyn Stockman all went close within the opening quarter of an hour as Paulton struggled to cope with the home side’s attacking energy. The breakthrough finally arrived on 27 minutes from a well-worked corner. Coates rose to meet the delivery, her header glancing toward goal before Morrell reacted quickest to flick it beyond the stranded keeper and give the Wildcats a deserved lead.

Despite the slippery conditions, Wildcats continued to dominate possession, creating further chances before the interval while the defensive unit of Emily Ayers, Grace Winter, Georgia Purdy, and Imogen Edmondston-Low remained solid, restricting Paulton to long-range efforts. Purdy impressed after stepping into the back line for the unavailable Tenika Goss, while Edmondston-Low’s tireless work down the right provided a constant outlet and several promising counter-attacks.

In midfield, Charlotte Ayers and Milly Howe were instrumental throughout. Both worked tirelessly to protect the back four when needed, breaking up play and halting Paulton’s advances, but they also acted as key pivot points in transition — turning defence into attack with composure and intelligent passing. Their control in the middle of the pitch allowed Wildcats to maintain their rhythm and dictate the pace of the game.

After the break, Wildcats continued to dictate play but found Paulton’s goalkeeper in inspired form, producing a flurry of saves to deny Coates, Stockman, Morrell and Hole. However, the pressure eventually told midway through the second half. A clever pass from Coates released Morrell; she found herself sandwiched between two defenders yet somehow squeezed between them, showing remarkable strength and control to keep the ball at her feet. Composed and focused, she went for precision over power, slotting beautifully into the corner, doubling the Wildcats’ lead with a finish of real class and effectively seal the result.

At the other end, Bianca Hamlyn handled confidently with the slick surface and made crucial saves when Paulton did threaten. Her quick distribution helped spring several counter-attacks that kept Wildcats on the front foot. The afternoon was made even brighter by the welcome return of Dani Bond, featuring in her first competitive match for almost two seasons

Player of the Match went to Imogen Edmondston-Low, whose disciplined defending, timely tackles, and attacking bursts epitomised the team’s all-round performance. Wildcats would like to thank Hair by Alderman for providing sponsorship for the game

This coming Sunday, October 26, Wildcats will look to complete a hat-trick of home wins when they entertain unbeaten league leaders Portishead Ladies Reserves who have opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table after winning their opening five matches (kick-off 2p.m.). Wildcats are fourth with three wins and two losses. Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Imogen Edmondston-Low, Emily Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Milly Howe, Charlotte Ayers, Leah Morrell, Keeley Coates, Tash Hole. Sub (used): Danielle Bond