Ilminster Town secured their 15th consecutive win in a Somerset Senior Cup third-round nail-biter against Portishead Reserves.

Despite missing seven players, Ilminster Town showed grit, equalising late in the game before winning 4-2 on penalties.

In-form Jack Steer once again proved crucial, netting a late goal to level the match.

Steer, full of confidence, also took the first successful penalty.

Team-mates Louis Rutter, Dan Peach, and Karl Davis followed suit, finding the back of the net in the penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Shay Allen was the hero of the hour, making two crucial saves to secure his side's place in the next round.

The first half saw changes on both sides, with Steer hitting the post and firing another effort over the bar, while Peach came close with a shot.

Peach was also pivotal in defence, clearing a shot off the line, while Allen made a spectacular one-handed save to deny Portishead.

The visitors, however, took the lead early in the second half, with Callum Eastwood finishing well from the edge of the box.

Ilminster dug deep, with Steer equalising after being fed by Charlie Rutter.

Allen's heroics in goal, along with his penalty saves, earned him the title of star man, handling well and making crucial saves to help his team through to the last 16.

The Ilminster line-up included: Shay Allen, Ollie Pearson, Harry Manley, Kane Lee, Tom Case, Karl Davis, Harvey Saunders, Dan Peach, Kam Andrews, Adam Payne, and Jack Steer.

Substitutes used were Louis Rutter, Charlie Rutter, Matt Rowswell, and Louis Bolland.

Looking ahead, Ilminster face a challenging away match at Clevedon United on Saturday, October 21.

Clevedon are currently fifth in the table.

Ilminster's only league defeat of the season came against Clevedon at home back in August when Kieran Manley and Josh Phillips secured a 2-0 win for the Blues.

Despite the upcoming challenge, Ilminster will be hoping to continue their impressive form.