WELLINGTON Wildcats will be looking to bounce back after their heavy home defeat by Pen Mill when they play away to Cheddar Ladies in the first division of the Somerset Women’s Football League on Sunday afternoon.

Cheddar were one of two teams to move above Wildcats in the table last weekend, pushing the Wellington outfit down to fifth place. However, Wildcats would move above Cheddar is they were to beat their rivals this weekend.

Wildcats’ 5-1 loss to Pen Mill was their first home defeat of the season. It was also their first game in six weeks.

Pen Mill took control in the first half, capitalising on two corner situations that Wildcats were unable to fully clear. The opening goal was a moment of outstanding quality, with a Pen Mill player volleying directly from the corner in what was arguably the best goal conceded by Wildcats in many a season. A second corner soon followed, allowing Pen Mill to head into the break with a 2–0 advantage despite Wildcats growing into the game as the half progressed.

Wildcats emerged for the second half with confidence and intent, looking sharper in possession and more positive in their approach. However, two goals in quick succession early in the half proved decisive, extending Pen Mill’s lead to 4–0 and effectively ending the contest.

Despite the setback, Wildcats continued to show character and were rewarded when Leah Morrell scored a well-earned consolation goal. After her initial effort was saved by the Pen Mill goalkeeper, Morrell reacted quickest to finish confidently at the second attempt. Pen Mill later added a fifth goal to complete the scoring.

There were positives for Wildcats despite the result. Georgia Purdy and Grayson Kennard both made welcome returns from injury, while recent recruits Tailor Searle and Courtney Lightfoot made their senior debuts. Ella Davies and Erin Clements also stepped up from the Under 16s for their first appearances at senior level. All four players should be extremely proud of their performances against one of the strongest sides in the league.

Milly Howe was deservedly named Wildcats Player of the Day after an excellent all-round performance. Wildcats will take lessons from the match, shake off the rust, and look to respond positively this coming weekend.