DESPITE playing with only ten players due to injury and unavailability, Wellington Wildcats put up a spirited fight before losing 2-1 at home to Middlezoy in their last match of the season in Divison One of the Somerset County Women’s League.

Wildcats started brightly, using the wide areas effectively through Robyn Stockman and Chloe Payne, who continually stretched the Middlezoy defence. In midfield, Jayda S-H and Georgia Purdy battled tirelessly, refusing to allow the visitors any time on the ball.

Middlezoy opened the scoring before Wildcats responded in style. Emily Ayers stepped up over a free kick and delivered a superb strike to level the match at 1-1 heading into half time.

Wildcats defended resolutely for long periods, with the back three of Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers and Grace Winter putting in a determined and disciplined performance. Behind them, goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn once again demonstrated why she has enjoyed such a strong campaign.

Unfortunately, for Wildcats, the decisive moment came in cruel fashion when a wicked deflection sent the ball beyond Hamlyn and into the net for what proved to be the winner.

Leading scorer Leah Morrell once again epitomised the side’s fighting spirit, running herself into the ground and battling through numerous challenges without the reward her tireless work rate deserved.

Even then, Wildcats refused to give in. Pushing forward in the closing stages, they went close to equalising on two occasions.

Not for the first time this campaign, Milly H earned Player of the Match honours thanks to another tireless display.

While results tailed off after Christmas following a hugely promising start that once saw Wildcats sitting second in the table, there remains plenty for the side to be proud of. Wildcats finished the season with the second-best defensive record in the league, while Bianca Hamlyn also ended the campaign with a league-high five clean sheets.

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