WELLINGTON Wildcats were beaten 6-3 away by Cheddar in the first division of the Somerset Women’s Football League - after being on level terms at half time.

Wildcats’ keeper Jas made some fine early saves but could do little to prevent Cheddar scoring goals in the 13th and 17th minutes. To their absolute credit for absorbing the dominance, the team’s play until half time, saw the Wildcats lift training into game play, where every player on the pitch made the ball do the talking. Captain Emily Ayres, left back Taiya and right back Erin helped spread play from the back.

Orlaith on the left used her incredible speed and movement to cut open the defence and this triggered the team to believe. Nieve Collin had a shot go close, then Leah Morrell sprang into action with a close one on one and Collin again went close.

Milly H broke through and produced a fine save only for Collin to find space on the rebound, with a composed finish to score the first Wildcat goal of the season.

Cheddar created an opportunity from the restart, finding another excellent save from Jas. Clearing danger using Rob Stockman and Ellie Goldsack on the flanks, more opportunities arose and Goldsack then Millie fired wide.

Collin took the ball from the goal kick, took a shot that was parried only to find striker Morrell using her game awareness to chase everything and level the scoring. More play from Wildcats saw opportunities arise but it was all level at the break.

Knowing intensity was needed from the restart, Wildcats through Goldsack and the midfield kept the tempo of the first half but in what would then turn out to be a decisive moment in the game, clearing a ball saw Charlotte Ayers sustain a re-occurrence of a knee injury that ended her afternoon and forced a reshuffle in personnel with Georgia Purdy, being pushed into the back line. Wildcats pressed on and on 55 minutes, a 35 yard freekick from Collin smashed the back of the net to give the Wildcats a deserved lead.

Cheddar rotated and changed formations and grew back into the game, and on 61 minutes they scored an equaliser. Cheddar gained and scored a 35 yard freekick to retake the lead on 66 minutes.

Erin shot over on 70 minutes from a corner and was working well with Lola on the right. The last 20 minutes became a challenge for Wildcats, giving everything in attack while Purdy, Ayers, Taiya and Erin made lasp-gasp interceptions.

The Wildcats conceded two more goals, which they can feel more than a little unfortunate over, not to gain a foul on either decision in the box. The Wildcats’ spirit though was maintained until the final minute; in particular demonstrated by Orlaiths and Lolas efforts on the wings trying to get back into the game.

The 6-3 loss was a bitter pill to swallow, being in control until the injury, but the team showed they can be more of a match to any team when they play the brand of football they did in the first half.

Player of the match, sponsored by Mundy Veneer went to Taiya, who played the game under intense pressure, being rock solid when needed and then having composure while in possession.