In a gripping encounter at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on 25 January 2025, Ilminster Vulcans triumphed over Somerton Town Youth U11 United with a final score of 3-2. The match, part of a cup competition, kicked off at 10:00 am and showcased a thrilling display of youth football, with both teams demonstrating skill and determination throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Ilminster Vulcans set up in a 3-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in midfield and attacking options up front. Ryan Dyke took his place in goal, with Taylor Underhill, Rory Davenport, and Gordon Sheahan forming a resolute back three. The midfield quartet consisted of Finley Perry and Noah Chapman on the flanks, while Maurice Isaacs and Cody Curtis operated centrally. Kobi Stahl led the line as the striker, tasked with converting chances into goals. The substitutes for the match included Rocco Jones, Euan Green, Anthony Ogilvy, and Harrison Winter.
The match began with both teams probing for openings, but it was Taylor Underhill who made an early impact, executing a crucial tackle to prevent a chance for Somerton Town in the 10th minute. However, just moments later, the visitors took the lead in the 16th minute when they scored from close range with a right-footed effort, putting Ilminster on the back foot.
In response, Ilminster regrouped and found their equaliser just six minutes later. Rocco Jones, who had come on for Kobi Stahl in the 15th minute, scored with a well-placed right-footed shot following a precise cross from Finley Perry in the 22nd minute. This goal injected fresh energy into the Vulcans, who began to assert themselves more in the match.
As the first half progressed, Taylor Underhill continued to shine defensively, making a vital clearance in the 20th minute to keep the score level. The half-time whistle blew shortly after, with the teams locked at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half commenced with renewed intensity, and it was Ilminster who struck first. Harrison Winter, who had come on as a substitute, found the net in the 50th minute, converting a cross from Cody Curtis with a right-footed shot inside the box. This goal gave Ilminster a 2-1 lead and sent their supporters into raptures.
However, Somerton Town were not to be outdone and equalised again in the 55th minute with another right-footed strike, leaving the match finely poised at 2-2. Just three minutes later, Harrison Winter was at it again, scoring his second goal of the match in the 58th minute. Once more, he was assisted by Cody Curtis, who delivered a cross that allowed Winter to finish off a well-executed team move, restoring Ilminster's lead to 3-2.
As the match drew to a close, Ilminster Vulcans held firm against a late surge from Somerton Town, who pressed for another equaliser. The Vulcans' defence, marshalled by Underhill and Davenport, held strong, ensuring that the home side secured a hard-fought victory in this thrilling cup tie. The final whistle confirmed Ilminster's place in the next round, a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess on the day.
