Both teams knew nothing about each other but it looked as though it was going to be an even match. Ilchester started strong and opened with a couple of half chances but it was Frys that took the lead following a cross into the box which the keeper dropped and Craig Andrews struck to put us 1-0 ahead. Within 1 minute though, Ilchester were awarded a bizarre penalty. The ball was played into our box and the ref blew for what we can only think was a push. Certainly the opposition didn’t appeal but they accepted their gift to make it 1-1. Chances were being created by both teams with good Midfield dominance by Oli Randall and Mo Bouaziz. However, it was some good balls in from James Boulton that gave us our best opportunities with Craig Andrews narrowly missing a very good chance to put us ahead again. The last 20 mins of the first half though effectively lost us the game as Ilchester scored a further 3 goals to go into half time with a generous 4-1 lead.

Early in the second half we frustratingly conceded a fifth goal but showing some great team spirit and character we continued to create further chances and had they been taken we could have also scored 5. Some great kicking by goalkeeper Craig Francis and dead balls in from James Boulton really put their defence under pressure. They also struggled with our corner kicks but in the end we had to settle for just 1 well taken second half goal from Dean Lapham. Both Richard Boulton and myself though were very pleased with the way the team responded when the goals were being conceded and its this team spirit we need when things aren’t quite going our way. The scoreline really doesn’t reflect how even the game was.

All 14 players played a part in todays performance but the man of the Match was awarded to James Boulton who really played outstanding today and played some quality balls into their third of the pitch.