WELLINGTON Wildcats Ladies are through to the quarter-finals of the Somerset County Women's League Chairmans Cup after beating Burnhan United Ladies 2-1 away following extra-time, writes Geoff Hamlyn.

The tie was a match-up between last season’s Division Two (North) winners Burnham United and Division Two (South) winners Wildcats and it was Wildcats who progressed to the last eight of the competition with a comfortable, if not convincing, victory last Sunday.

Despite the scoreline Wildcats controlled the game throughout but struggled to make a real impact in the final third; their cause not helped by some unusual offside calls. Wildcats finally made the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ebony Sellick picked herself up off the floor to smash home a penalty after being brought down in the box.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Burnham equalised almost immediately; a well struck volley after Wildcats had switched off at a corner. This sprung Wildcats back into life and they finished the half strongly with some good link-play from their dynamic midfield duo Georgia Purdy and Emily Ayers while Keeley Coates saw a shot cleared off the line as Robyn Stockman was just about to sweep home for Wildcats.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Wildcats were able to dominate possession for significant periods and spent the majority of time camped in the Burnham half and at one point had five successive corners, but never really tested the home ‘keeper. Their best effort was from Purdy who rose highest at a corner to head narrowly over the bar. At the other end Wildcats' superb defence were on hand to clear when required.

Sellick hit the crossbar in the first period of extra-time, but that was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. The second period saw Wildcats’ press for a deserved winner and it came with seven minutes to go. The ball was played wide to Imogen Edmonston-Low, who played a first-time cross for Sellick to slot home. Coates almost added a third, but her well struck shot, was met by an excellent save from the Burnham keeper. Every Wildcat player deserves credit for their superb performance in testing conditions while Wildcats player of the day was Georgia Purdy.

Team: Bianca Hamlyn, Bryony Sellick, Naomi Southcott, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter (Capt.), Imogen Edmondston-Low, Georgia Purdy, Emily Ayers, Robyn Stockman, Keeley Coates, Ebony Sellick. Subs (Used) Danielle Bond.

Wildcats will assess injuries to a number of players, but hope to have a full squad available this Sunday (April 14) when their play their quarter-final tie at home to Wincanton Town Ladies. Kick-Off 2pm at the Playing Field. All support will be welcome and the clubhouse will be open.