Ilminster Town returned to Somerset County Premier League action in style as they eased past Timsbury Athletic.

After a week off due to heavy rain, The Blues resumed their league campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory.

Jack Steer and Josh Phillips each found the net twice, once in each half.

Despite Timsbury finishing fourth in the table last season, a mass player exodus meant that their reserve team had to step up for this match.

The young side put in a commendable effort, making it difficult for Ilminster at times.

Ilminster created early chances but couldn't convert them.

They then had to rearrange their team after losing skipper Lee Sweet to an ankle injury after just 10 minutes.

Sweet was replaced by Drew Stride, and Owen Burn moved to left back.

Despite these changes, Ilminster continued to dominate the game.

Timsbury defended resolutely until the midpoint of the first half when Steer converted a chance from close range to make it 1-0.

Ilminster had a second goal from Drew Stride ruled out, despite the ball being at least four yards over the line, as the referee and home linesman were unable to see it.

Josh Phillips also had a goal disallowed before he found the net again, capitalising on a Thomas Lee through ball to put Ilminster 2-0 up at half-time.

In the second half, a long kick from keeper Shay Allen saw Phillips time his run perfectly.

He lobbed the ball over the keeper for his 14th goal of the season.

Steer then had the final say with the best goal of the game.

He made a great run down the left, cut inside, and finished well to secure a 4-0 away win.

This marked Steer's fifth goal in the last three matches.

Thomas Lee was awarded the player of the match for his solid performance in midfield.

Ilminster Town, who had three good goals either disallowed or not given, could have won more comfortably.

However, Timsbury's effort was commendable in what was a gritty performance.

With second-placed Nailsea dropping two points away at Yatton & Cleeve, Ilminster stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points.

Nailsea, however, has two matches in hand.

Ilminster's next match is in the rearranged second round of the League Cup against Glastonbury on Tuesday, October 29, at 7.30pm.

They then face Portishead Reserves in the Somerset Senior Cup on Saturday at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, kicking off at 2pm.