Ilminster Town with two second half goals from Josh Phillips and skipper Lee Sweet were enough to overcome a spirited Watchet, consolidating their third place in the early Somerset County Premier League table.

Watchet looked lively in the opening exchanges without creating any real clear-cut chances as the Blues back four withstood the early pressure.

With Ilminster now having more control of the ball they pushed Watchet back and began to dominate possession.

Jack Steer went close with the Blues first effort on goal after the Watchet keeper had slipped as he attempted to kick, Steer picked up the loose ball and from distance his first time effort curled just wide.

Kieran Manley also went close as he flashed a header just over when he got on the end of a Josh Phillips cross.

With half time approaching a defence splitting deep pass from Sweet found Phillips who got in front of his marker and with the keeper advancing off his line, Phillips tried the delicate lob only to see the ball drop just over the bar.

The second half started as the first ended, the lively Phillips went close again with an early half chance before he ran through and with just the keeper to beat, he calmly finished into the bottom corner to continue his remarkable run of scoring in all the five matches he has played this season.

Four minutes later with an hour on the clock Phillips turned provider as he slipped in Sweet who shot across the keeper to make it 2-0.

For the remaining half an hour the Blues kept the ball well comfortably seeing out the match for their fourth win on the trot and consolidating their third place in the table.

The only bad news for the team was that Drew Stride who came on as a substitute went down on his shoulder hard and had to be withdrawn, hopefully he will be back to full fitness soon.

A second clean sheet in a row for the defence was encouraging with Owen Burn and Harry Manley making their first starts since recovering from injuries with both looking assured.

Star man was Kieran Manley who worked tirelessly up front, leading the line well and linking play.

Team

Shay Allen, Tom Case, Kane Lee, Harry Manley Owen Burn, Harvey Saunders, Dan Peach, Josh Phillips, Kieran Manley, Lee Sweet, Jack Steer, Subs Used: Drew Stride, Adam Payne, Karl Davis

Ilminster play away midweek at Somerton (Tuesday 27th August 6.30pm kick off) while on Saturday, unbeaten top of the table Nailsea United visit the Archie Gooch Pavilion with a 3.00pm kick off.

Nailsea United have started the season well winning all six of their matches to lead the Premier League table with a 22 positive goal difference, the early League leaders will prove a real test for the Blues.