Ilminster Town started life under new management with a 2-1 defeat away to Fry Club.

The team, under the leadership of new manager, Jason 'Paddy' Behan, and experienced assistant manager, Olly Pearson, began their first match in the Somerset County Premier Division on a sour note.

Behan, known for catapulting his former team, Street, into the upper echelons of the Toolstation Western Premier League before parting ways over team strategy, is supported by Charlie Rutter and Matt Rowswell from last season.

Ex-Town keeper Steve Garland also joins the team as the keeper coach, all aiming to provide a sense of stability to the team during this transitional time.

Despite the defeat, Ilminster was in good form, controlling the game in the first 35 minutes but with no goals to show for their efforts.

The tide turned when Josh Phillips, re-joining the Blues, was penalised for dissent and subsequently sidelined.

Capitalising on the advantage, Fry Club’s Jack Jenkin netted a shot from the edge of the box just before half-time.

In the second half, Fry Club played defensively, resulting in a stalemate as both teams were locked in a midfield battle.

However, Phillips redeemed himself by scoring a goal in the 73rd minute.

Taking advantage of a Lee Sweet cross, he skilfully levelled the scores.

Both teams intensified their efforts for the win but Fry Club ultimately secured their victory when Jenkin scored his second goal, exploiting Ilminster’s inability to effectively clear the ball.

Despite falling short, the management expressed satisfaction with the team’s fitness and individual performances.

Standout players included Kieran Manley and Thomas Lee, with Louis Rutter who played at centre-half earning the star man accolade.

The team consisted of Shay Allen, Callum Colbridge, Tom Case, Dan Peach, Louis Rutter, Lee Sweet, Harvey Saunders, Josh Phillips, Kieran Manley, Thomas Lee, Jack Steer, with Taylor Jefferson, Drew Stride, and Paulo Borges coming off the bench.

Bouncing back from the defeat, Ilminster will face rivals, Somerton on Tuesday at home with a kick-off time of 6.30pm.

This is followed by another home match on Saturday against Uphill Castle, kicking off at 3pm.