WELLINGTON Wildcats are through to the final of the Somerset Girls Football League’s Under 12 KO Cup after beating Weston Mendip at home in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

Wildcats started well but Mendip made the initial breakthrough going 1-0 in front. Wildcats fought back and were soon back level when Sara M won a scramble in the box and placed the ball over the goalkeeper. Just before halftime Sara M was involved again when she won a free kick after being fouled nearly 10 yards out side the box. Up steps Millie G with a thunderous strike that careered into the top corner and put the Wildcats in front 2-1 at halftime.

Wildcats restricted the opposition to shots from distance in the second half but an unfortunate bounce led to Mendip equalising.

After a couple of missed penalties from both sides it fell to captain Hetty H to score her spot kick to keep Wildcats in the tie which she duly did.

After an intense sudden death round, Weston missed their 9th penalty and it fell to goalkeeper Remi S to win the tie for the Wildcats which she did amid jubilant scenes.

Meanwhile, Wildcats Under 13s travelled to Bishops Lydeard full of confidence, looking to continue their fine run of form and they did just that with an impressive performance. The game started brightly for the Wildcats, who quickly took control. Early on, Bella W threaded a perfect pass to Amelia S, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Wildcats kept up the pressure, playing some excellent football and soon doubled their lead. A great play out from the back saw Iyla J finish neatly to make it 2-0.

Just before half-time Wildcats extended their advantage further. A dangerous cross from Bella W caused problems in the box and was turned in for an own goal, giving Wildcats a 3-0 lead at the break.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Wildcats applying constant pressure on the Lydeard defence. Iyla J grabbed her second of the match with another well-taken finish. Lydeard did manage to pull one back, but Wildcats had the final say. Amelia S scored her second of the game to seal a convincing 5-1 victory.

Wildcats beat Wincanton - also on penalties - to reach the semi-finals of the Under 15 Cup.

Wildcats were unfortunate not to capitalise on an indirect freekick inside the box which saw Lily F’s effort rebound onto the bar and over. At the other end a couple of breakaways were stopped in their tracks by centre back pairing, Jess B and Isla C, and, keeper Faith D, who read the game with accuracy to clear the line. Half time 0-0.

The second half saw Wincanton gain a dubious freekick that saw their effort hold up in the wind to open the scoring.

But with only two minutes left, a clearance from the back saw Lola S, Flo N, Faith NH counter at pace and a perfectly timed through ball gave Emilia S the opportunity to put the ball around the charging keeper to level the game.

The teams were level after five penalties and it was into sudden death, where Faith D made a stunning save, then turned penalty taker, coolly slotting home to win the game and earning herself player of the match.