Match Reports

A headed goal from skipper Adam  Hill was enough to make sure Willand Rovers’ title destiny was in their own hands on Wednesday night in a tense penultimate league match against Bridgwater Town at Silver Street writes Kerry Miller.

Just two weeks after the sides fought a pitched battle in the Les Phillips Cup semi-final and with the unpleasant taste of social media postings ramping up the tension, Rovers were aware that one win and a draw would be enough to clinch the Toolstation League Premier Division title while Bridgwater had secured an excellent fourth spot and were in no mood to roll over. Predictably the teams went for each other from the spot with tackles flying and players rolling around and demanding bookings but referee Phil Eddie was having none of it and once that sank in they began to play. It took half an hour for the first chance to show itself, and that a 30 yard drive from Sam Towler which shaved the crossbar then from a breakdown of an attack on the Willand penalty area they broke at speed and Mike Duffy fed Jack Taylor whose lob was somehow clawed away by Mike Searle in the home goal. Rovers should have taken the lead before the break when Luke Alden and Brad Ausden were given too much space in the box but the final effort was fired over from close range then Ryan Guppy’s cross was volleyed over by Luke Mortimore. Bridgy thought they had taken the lead right on the whistle when a corner was not cleared and Jake Brown stabbed the ball towards goal from two yards only to watch it somehow kept out by a flailing home boot.

The 258 strong crowd included a healthy contingent of away fans plus parties from Plymouth Parkway and Bitton and they watched on as Willand went off the boil in the second half and Bridgwater sensed they could make an  impact. Duffy went close then Towler lobbed over and as the hour mark came and went home chances were few and far between. Ian Bellinger relit the flames with a late tackle which earned him a booking but as in the first half Willand came alive and after Harry Horton had come within a few inches of netting an own goal a Brett Worbey corner was headed in by Hill with the ball crashing into the top of the net off a defender’s boot to cue wild celebrations.

It means that Willand need just a point at Bitton on Saturday as they have a vastly superior goal difference while Bitton are effectively chasing runners-up as they would need to beat Willand 18-0 and hope Parkway lose at Chipping Sodbury Town. Parkway and Willand then meet again in the Les Phillips Cup final at Sherborne on May 6 with both chasing the league and cup double to end what has been a stunning season.

Two second half goals from evergreen striker Kevin Lisbie gave Southern Counties East Premier Division Cray Valley PM a dream spot in the last four of the Buildbase FA Vase after an epic battle at Silver Street yesterday writes Kerry Miller. Host side Willand Rovers, who lead the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League came back to level but a disputed penalty on the hour and a clinical breakaway finish from the 41 year old clinched the deal for the south Londoners.

Cray manager Kevin Watson was full of praise for both sides who played their part on a difficult surface saying: “I was proud of them all today. It wasn’t just about those on the pitch but the rest of the squad who were in the dressing room celebrating after the game and everyone put in a shift today.”

Willand threw everyone forward in the last 15 minutes and went close to an equaliser but it wasn’t to be and Watson said of the Devon side: “It must be heartbreaking for them as I was impressed as they are very strong and physical and there were two good teams out there today.” In truth the conditions didn’t suit either side but it has brought us even closer as a group and they are good people and deserve this.”

Willand can have a grievance over the penalty award on the hour which Lisbie tucked away to give his side the lead but there was no doubt about the class he showed when latching on to a through ball deep into stoppage time and dinking over home keeper Mike Searle to the delight of the travelling support in the 768 crowd.

Willand started strong and both defences looked vulnerable as Luke Mortimore on the right for Willand and Denzil Gayle for Cray Valley saw plenty of the ball and after Mortimore had been booked early for a needless trip Gavin Tomlin brought a save out of Searle on the near post and Lisbie watched his effort hacked off the line . A goal was coming and just past the half hour Ryan Flack fed Tomlin and his finish was crisp and concise. The lead lasted six minutes as Luke Alden floated in a free-kick and Ryan Guppy was on the far post to  nod home almost unchallenged. Mortimer then put Dean Stamp in and his first time effort was just over and the teams went in all square.

On the resumption Willand pressed hard and Cray Valley played deeper and soaked up the pressure with Guppy busy on the flank and all looked good for the home side until Tomlin and Glenn Gould collided in the area and referee Yianni pointed to the spot. Lisbie sent Searle the wrong way and the Londoners were back in front. Joe Curtis then tested Andy Walker who saved well and did even better five minutes from time when substitute Brad Ausden set up Stamp and his volley was superbly tipped over for what proved to be the winning play. Angus Wilson blasted over from 15 yards for Willand but seconds later Lisbie settled it and guaranteed a loud and raucous journey home.

Willand assistant player-manager David Steele, whose father played in the Vase final for Tiverton Town was naturally dismayed by the spot kick saying: “We were expecting the foul to go the other way as nobody on the ground appealed for it. We are devastated but we gave everything and we must pick ourselves up for Wednesday night’s game at Cadbury Heath. We are still after the league and cup double and it would be criminal now to  throw that away.”

Parkway travelled to 4th placed and in form Clevedon looking to halt the hosts impressive run of 7 consecutive victories writes Graham Lloyd. The young Clevedon side had beaten Parkway 4-3 at Bolitho Park earlier in the season and had impressed most present that evening so an exciting game was envisaged. Parkway made 3 changes from last weeks surprise home defeat including the welcome sight of influential midfielder Mikey Williams returning from injury earlier than anticipated. The game got off to a high tempo, even start and it soon became clear both sides were looking to go on the offensive and play fluent, attacking football. Parkway created an early chance on 5 minutes with a Williams half hit snap shot being saved by Sam Blackiston after good work by Adam Carter had set him up. A Jordan Trott free kick on 10 minutes saw Parkway win a couple of headers in the 6 yard box with Clevedon just managing to clear the danger. With Tyler Ashmead looking dangerous down the right, Clevedon created their first chance on 11 minutes with the lively Liam Dempsey firing just over. With both sides looking to pass and move the ball swiftly, Parkway took the lead on 12 minutes. Clever midfield play released Ryan Lane who, showing good pace and neat control, drove into the penalty area only to be clumsily bundled over when poised to shoot. Carter stepped up and coolly and confidently clipped home the penalty. With Shane Krac and Billy Palfrey looking sharp and creative in midfield andChristian Pople covering vast areas of the pitch in breaking up play, making vital interceptions and blunting Clevedon attacks, Parkway gradually grew in confidence as they looked to increase their lead. Clevedon however also continued to look dangerous, particularly on both flanks, with the unmarked Lucas Vowles pulling his shot just wide on 16 minutes. Play continued to flow from end to end with both teams moving the ball around well but both defences also looking solid. Parkway were creating the clearer chances with Krac seeing his 20 yard effort well saved on 19 minutes followed by Lane being sent clear by Krac only to see his delicate chip just failing to beat Blackiston who did well to anticipate Lane's intentions and tip the ball just over the bar. Parkway continued to impress as they gained control of the midfield with Krac curling a superb effort from 20 yards just wide on 24 minutes. The Parkway defence continued to look solid and resolute restricting Clevedon to a couple of long range efforts with Kyle Moore rarely being tested. Another Parkway move through the midfield area on 26 minutes saw them double their lead. Carter showing good strength, persistence and awareness on the right, held off a couple of challenges and squared the ball to Palfrey who hit an instinctive first time shot into the top corner from around 18 yards. Clevedon quickly regrouped but despite having their fair share of possession, were unable to penetrate the Parkway back line with Rob Farkins and Nick Milton in dominant form ably supported by full backs Trott and Aaron Bentley. On 42 minutes Parkway almost increased their lead from arguably their best passage of play of the game. Starting from the back, the ball was moved swiftly through Pople, Krac and Williams with Lane receiving the ball on the left but pulling his first time effort narrowly wide of the far post with Blackiston beaten. Clevedon's Sam Holden received the first yellow card of the game after scything down Lane as he attempted to race clear down the left. The half ended with Bentley heading over from another well flighted free kick. A thoroughly enthralling half with both sides looking to play neat passing football with Parkway creating the clearer chances and deserving their 2 goal lead with the impressive Clevedon outfit competing well in all areas and still well in the game.

The second half started with Clevedon pushing forward at a high tempo and showing intensity with plenty of possession and having the first shot of the half on 53 minutes which Moore saved at the second attempt. With Clevedon pushing forward, spaces were opening up at the back and on 56 minutes Parkway should have increased their lead. Yet another forceful interception by Pople saw him release Carter who went one on one with keeper only to see his effort smothered and cleared when maybe he should have done better. Palfrey was then sent clear one on one with the keeper with players in support only for Blackiston to bravely block his effort around 10 yards out. Clevedon continued to threaten and on 62 minutes a superbly struck long range shot from Liam Dempsey was pushed round the post at full stretch by Moore, arguably his first meaningful save of the game. Back came Parkway and on 67 minutes another slick passage of play ended with Lane cutting in from the left only to be thwarted by yet another fine last ditch block by Blackiston. Clevedon remained well in the game with the Parkway defence continuing to hold firm despite conceding a series of corners. Parkway continued to create chances and on 69 minutes Lane saw yet another close range effort blocked followed by a Williams shot across the 6 yard box narrowly clearing the far post. On 70 minutes Clevedon rung the changes with Tom Baker and Alex Camm replacing Elliott Nicholson and Danny Lock respectively. The replacements gave new impetus to the Clevedon midfield as Parkway were forced to defend deeper and in numbers maybe rueing those earlier missed chances. The hard working Carter, who had been a constant threat playing as the lone striker throughout, was replaced by Jordan Annear on 74 minutes as Clevedon continued to push forward and eventually pulled a goal back on 81 minutes. A long, looping well directed free kick from wide on the right by Syd Camper evaded everyone but found central defender Glen Hayer rising at the far post who glanced home a header from close range. The final 10 minutes saw Parkway come under increasing pressure with a Clevedon volley flying way over and an Archie Ferris header from a corner also just missing the target. Parkway's defensive qualities now came to the fore with Farkins and Milton outstanding as they withheld a series of Clevedon attacks with Teigan Rosenquest replacing Shane Krac in stoppage time to slow the play down as they looked to see the game out. After dominating much of the game and spurning a host of second half chances, Parkway ended up hanging on in the final ten minutes for a gritty but ultimately deserved victory against an impressive young Clevedon outfit who on today's display are more than capable of taking points off the teams around them at the top of the league. It was easy to see why they had gone on a run of 7 successive wins. On the day, the quality of the Parkway approach play was unfortunately not matched by clinical finishing and had they taken their chances the margin of victory could and should have been much wider. Credit also to Blakiston who kept his side in the game with a series of vital saves and blocks midway through the 2nd half. Parkway remain in 6th place, 6 points behind and with 5 games in hand over Clevedon who drop to 5th with the other top 4 teams all winning today. It's back up the A38/M5 on Tuesday with Parkway travelling to face to 1st Division Wells City in the twice postponed 2nd round Les Phillips League Cup tie.

In front of a fair sized crowd of 227, Parkway were looking to get their 11th consecutive win against a Chipping Sodbury side who have had mixed results recently, drawing 0-0 at home on Boxing Day with bottom club Shortwood United giving them their first point of the season writes Graham Lloyd. Parkway showed 3 changes from last weeks narrow victory over Hengrove Athletic with Shane Krac returning from suspension replacing Mike Smith, Aaron Bentley replacing Nick Milton in central defence and Jordan Trott coming in for Ryan Lane at left back. Parkway started the sharper winning a couple of early corners and headers without troubling Tom Sheppard in the Chipping Sodbury goal. The visitors then broke away with a shot from distance going well over. Parkway continued on the offensive with Bentley seeing a shot blocked on 8 minutes followed by an angled effort from wide on the right from Billy Palfrey going narrowly wide. Parkway finally made their early pressure pay and took the lead on 12 minutes. More good work on the right by Palfrey saw his deep cross reach Adam Carter at the far post who rose the highest through a crowd of bodies to head home from close range. On 15 minutes Shane Krac saw his effort from 25 yards fly just over before Chipping Sodbury equalised against the run of play on 20 minutes. A neat midfield exchange found Luke Burman centrally some 25 yards out who, with a clever turn and awareness, created space for himself and fired home low into the corner giving Kyle Moore no chance. Dan Dempsey picked up the first yellow card of the match on 24 minutes for an innocuous looking offence. Chipping Sodbury gradually came more into the game looking particularly dangerous down their left as Parkway struggled to maintain their earlier superiority. With Sean Keet in commanding form at the back winning everything in the air and Carter and Jordan Annear unable to retain any quality ball in the final third, the game developed into a midfield battle with Chipping Sodbury continuing to grow into the game. Parkway did have the ball in the net from an angled Trott free kick on 27 minutes only to see a flag raised for offside. Carter then had a good chance to increase the lead on the half hour but directed his header wide when well placed. Krac shot just wide on 35 minutes with Chipping Sodbury continuing to look dangerous on the break without testing Moore unduly. They forced a couple of corners on the left and from the second one took the lead on 41 minutes with a close range near post header from Dempsey which may have take a slight deflection on the way in. Approaching half time Krac made a strong run forward with his strike from 20 yards being deflected wide before Chipping Sodbury forced another couple more corners which were delivered with quality putting the Parkway defence under pressure. The final chance of the half fell to Parkway with Rob Farkins heading just over from a corner on the left. Having started well and being in control for the first 15 minutes, Parkway were guilty of conceding possession too often in midfield, failing to create any clear cut chances and allowed a pacy, quick breaking Chipping Sodbury to dominate play and convert the rare scoring opportunities that came their way.

Parkway made two changes at half time with Smith and Lane replacing Afful and Annear respectively in an attempt to provide more width and pace on the flanks which had been clearly lacking in the first half. This initially had the desired effect as Parkway created a couple of early chances with Trott having a shot deflected behind on 47 minutes and a good passage of play on the left ending with the industrious Christian Pople firing just over from 18 yards on 51 minutes. Chipping Sodbury however continued to look fluent and penetrative in midfield and increased their lead on 55 minutes. A quick break along the left caught the Parkway defence exposed with the ball being crossed to the unmarked Joe White on the right who had time and space to control the ball and drill an angled shot into the far corner from the edge of the 18 yard box. Chipping Sodbury now came under some pressure with Parkway stretching the play as they tried to force their way back into the game. Smith was causing problems down the right and had a shot bravely blocked on 57 minutes as Keet and Dempsey continued to defend solidly. George Box then probably should have sewn the game up on the hour only to shoot wide when in the clear. Parkway continued to pile on the pressure as another attack saw Pople put Smith through only for his effort to yet again be blocked.  Parkway had further efforts on 65 and 67 minutes as they increased the pressure but all too often their final ball lacked quality as the visitors continued to look strong at the back and dangerous on the break with Burman shooting wide on 66 minutes. Chipping Sodbury continued to be hard working, organised and aggressive as Parkway poured forward looking to create an opening but failing to breach the solid defence. Tiegan Rosenquest replaced Sam Hillson on 70 minutes as Parkway went to 3 at the back and committed more men forward. Palfrey saw a speculative 40 yard effort easily saved as Parkway's frustration and lack of composure began to creep in. Smith cutting in from the right then had yet another shot blocked on 74 minutes with Chipping Sodbury looking to hit long balls down the channels behind the 3 man defence, forcing another couple of corners. Despite their efforts attacking down the flanks it was a long, route one ball that saw Parkway give themselves a lifeline on 76 minutes. A long punt forward dropped on to the edge of the 18 yard box which saw Carter show strength by muscling his way past the last defender and just beat the onrushing Sheppard to the ball to prod home his second goal of the game. Trott was then forced into a last ditch block on a White shot as Chipping Sodbury looked to exploit the stretched Parkway back line. James Kenway was then booked for a cyncial shirt pull as Lane attempted to break away with Parkway piling forward. Palfrey pulled a shot just wide before a determined run and cross into the 6 yard box by Rosenquest on 82 minutes resulted in Pople heading narrowly over with the keeper beaten. A clever back heel from close range by Carter hit Sheppard who knew little about it with another shot from Krac being deflected for yet another corner on 85 minutes. From the resultant corner a thumping header from Farkins, who was now playing up front, smacked against the post with everyone beaten and the subsequent rebound being headed just over the bar. A final series of attacks and corners were defended bravely with Sheppard continuing to punch away most balls that came into his zone. The visitors replaced Box with Liam Pullen going into stoppage time as another Carter header just missed the target. Parkway's final chance of snatching a draw came deep into stoppage time when yet another incisive attack found Lane unmarked coming in from the left only for his right footed, close range shot to fizz narrowly wide. With Parkway throwing everyone forward, the visitors were happy to hit long balls into the wide open spaces deep in Parkway territory as they hung on for a nail biting victory.

A tough game against strong running, pacy, well organised opponents who capitalised on their few chances and defended solidly when required, particularly in the second half. After a bright start, Parkway conceded too much ground and possession in the first half allowing the visitors to control the game for long periods. A formation change and an increase in tempo in the second half just failed to claw the game back which, with more clinical finishing, more composure in the final third and a slice of lady luck, they may well have done. Not for the first time this season they have lost at home by the odd goal having taken an early lead. Credit though to Chipping Sodbury who belied their 15th place in the league by winning only their 7th game from 23 starts. Parkway remain in 6th place and next Saturday look to get back to winning ways as they travel to 4th placed Clevedon to whom they lost at home in October by the odd goal in 7 having scored first!Body of text goes here...

Parkway made their second longest trip of the season (a 286 mile round trip) to basement club Shortwood United,who had who had not gained a point from their 17 games and included in the squad was former Plymouth Argyle apprentice Billy Palfrey signed the previous day on a one month loan from Truro City writes Graham Lloyd.

In driving, heavy rain and a strong, cold wind, Parkway could have taken the lead on five minutes when a slick move ended with Mikey Williams being brought down in the box only for Shane Krac to blast his penalty against the top of the crossbar.

With both sides adjusting to the testing conditions, play was pretty even for the first ten minutes with Shortwood looking lively up front but with few chances being created. Parkway began to assert themselves and took the lead on 14 minutes when a corner from the left found full back Jordan Trott unmarked at the far post who scored with a rare header. They doubled their lead five minutes later when Krac found Tiegan Rosanquest linking well with Stewart Yetton who cleverly set up Sam Hillson who fired home.   Shortwood remained competitive, occasionally looking dangerous on the break forcing Kyle Moore into a couple of saves and almost pulled a goal back on the half hour when neat play between the lively Jamie Walker and Levi Matthews saw the latter pull his shot just wide. Parkway then increased their lead near the half hour with Yetton slotting home from close range after Rosanquest's shot had been blocked by Adam Clarke in the Shortwood goal. Trott saw a cross-cum-shot bounce off the bar before Shortwood then had a period of possession with the pacey Walker seeing his cross shot well saved by Moore on 36 minutes and Joey Tustain shooting narrowly wide just before the break.  Shortwood started the second half with a Walker effort cleared off the line  only for Parkway to break and increase their lead shortly after. Another flowing move saw Williams brought and Williams  sent Clarke the wrong way with a cool penalty. Parkway, playing with the strong wind behind them, continued to dominate with Palfrey coming on for his debut replacing Krac in midfield on the hour and was immediately into his stride and a neat exchange with Annear saw a shot from the latter cleared off the line. Parkway went further ahead on 65 minutes when Annear controlled a loose ball and fired a looping, angled effort from 45 yards over the back peddling keeper into the unguarded net.

 On 74 minutes Williams scored his second and Parkway's sixth with a close range finish then Palfrey put Annear clear with the predatory striker slotting home from ten yards.   Annear completed a classy 23 minute hat-trick two minutes from time when Carter neatly deflected the ball into his path and he deftly flicked it over Clarke. In extremely difficult conditions, a highly efficient all round performance by Parkway against a young, spirited and sporting Shortwood who, to their credit, continued to try and play their football in the correct manner throughout but were ultimately outclassed by a far more experienced and physically stronger outfit as they suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season.

Despite the conditions, credit is due to the Shortwood ground staff and club with the pitch holding up remarkably well unlike a game less a half a mile away at Forest Green Rovers which was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch.

Rarely will there have been a more bizarre matchday than was experienced at Springfield last Saturday as Cadbury Heath bowed out of the FA Vase after a game including 12 goals and two hat-tricks in pouring rain writes Kerry Miller.

In the end visiting SW Peninsula League Premier Division St Austell deservedly went back to Cornwall with an 8-4 victory under their belt and a trip to Combined Counties League leaders Chertsey Town in prospect on January 5. Two coaches arrived at the ground to be greeted by stormy conditions which not only threatened to derail the game again but also put paid to a marquee which had been erected outside the clubhouse to cater for all. Playing down the slope and with the wind the visitors began well and Jack Calver and Liam Eddy went close before Neil Slateford brought a stunning save out of the busy Jamie Powell in the home goal. Heath then got into the game and should have been ahead when George Boon set up Matt Huxley but he was denied by Jason Chapman before nodding over another chance from a good position. It was end to end as the rain and wind eased for a while then on the half hour Boon found Sacha Tong whose shot was deflected just wide. St Austell were looking dangerous and Calver hit the post before Jordan Dingle skied one from close range but Heath gifted them the opener ten minutes from the break. A defensive error let in Eddy whose effort was saved but Slateford knocked in the loose ball and it opened the floodgates. Another error let in the flying Eddy who was brought down by Powell for a penalty which Mark Goldsworthy converted then seconds later it was 3-0 as Eddy’s 25 yard bullet from an angle flew in for the goal of the game.

Somehow Cadbury Heath regrouped at the break and dominated for a while although few expected there would be nine more goals but when Andy Campbell sliced a Will Tinsley cross into his own goal ten minutes in it looked a case of how many although Tong had other ideas. He crossed for Boon to make it 4-1 on the hour before Boon repaid the compliment for Tong 20 minutes from time which made it 4-2 and just for a couple of minutes expectation rose. Sadly Eddy came onto the scene again with a solo effort as the defences were stretched and he completed his treble two minutes later walking through a tired home backline to make it 6-2. Tong then produced a stunning volley of his own on 83 minutes but it was 7-3 moments later when substitute Matt Lloyd tapped in from three yards. With both defences totally awol Tong scrambled in to make it 7-4 and it was left to Slateford to finish off the proceedings which ended with a scoreline which cannot have been seen very often in Cadbury Heath’s long history in any form of football let alone the third round of a national knock-out cup.

Goals in each half from substitute Robbi Maggs and Adam Wright ensured Cheddar went clear at the top of the Toolstation Western League Division One on Tuesday night as they got past a stubborn and skillful Chippenham Park at a chilly Theatre of Cheese writes Kerry Miller.

With Liverpool and Spurs in European action on the telly the crowd was smaller than usual but those who ventured out saw two teams who wanted to play and put on a good show on what looked a tricky surface at Bowdens Park. Zayne Alime was just wide before Ashton Shanley brought a flying save out of home keeper Dan Jackson as Park settled well although their determination to play 20 passes in their own half was almost their downfall on more than one occasion and when possession was lost and a free-kick given away, Ricky Bennett’s curling kick on the half hour evaded everybody across the goalline. Dan Griffiths headed wide then Adam Jones hit the bar with another header but just near the break another Bennett corner was flicked on by Maggs at the near post and the linesman was perfectly placed to award the goal and the Cheesemen were ahead. Park should have levelled when Alime’s perfect cross found Rhys Talmarsh at the far post but he somehow hit the bar from almost on the goalline but Cheddar survived.

After the break another breakdown at the back from Park allowed Jones and Oli Hucker in but both were denied in a scramble before the home defence gave the ball away again and Aaron Witchell’s long cross was headed wide by Talmarsh. Adam Wright then hooked a shot wide from a long throw as play intensified but he was not to be denied as another throw was partially cleared and his 20 yard volley flew in and the points were safe. Anthony Cleave and Maggs both went close late on but it mattered little for Cheddar who are three points clear of Chard Town and Keynsham Town with games in hand on both. Saturday sees the juicy looking derby up the road at Wells City for Cheddar while Park travel again, this time to Radstock Town.

Goals in each half from substitute Robbi Maggs and Adam Wright ensured Cheddar went clear at the top of the Toolstation Western League Division One on Tuesday night as they got past a stubborn and skillful Chippenham Park at a chilly Theatre of Cheese writes Kerry Miller.

With Liverpool and Spurs in European action on the telly the crowd was smaller than usual but those who ventured out saw two teams who wanted to play and put on a good show on what looked a tricky surface at Bowdens Park. Zayne Alime was just wide before Ashton Shanley brought a flying save out of home keeper Dan Jackson as Park settled well although their determination to play 20 passes in their own half was almost their downfall on more than one occasion and when possession was lost and a free-kick given away, Ricky Bennett’s curling kick on the half hour evaded everybody across the goalline. Dan Griffiths headed wide then Adam Jones hit the bar with another header but just near the break another Bennett corner was flicked on by Maggs at the near post and the linesman was perfectly placed to award the goal and the Cheesemen were ahead. Park should have levelled when Alime’s perfect cross found Rhys Talmarsh at the far post but he somehow hit the bar from almost on the goalline but Cheddar survived.

After the break another breakdown at the back from Park allowed Jones and Oli Hucker in but both were denied in a scramble before the home defence gave the ball away again and Aaron Witchell’s long cross was headed wide by Talmarsh. Adam Wright then hooked a shot wide from a long throw as play intensified but he was not to be denied as another throw was partially cleared and his 20 yard volley flew in and the points were safe. Anthony Cleave and Maggs both went close late on but it mattered little for Cheddar who are three points clear of Chard Town and Keynsham Town with games in hand on both. Saturday sees the juicy looking derby up the road at Wells City for Cheddar while Park travel again, this time to Radstock Town.

Toolstation Premier Division Odd Down made the awkward journey down to Willand Rovers on Wednesday evening and probably wished they hadn’t bothered as they went into the break 6-0 down in their Les Phillips Cup tie at Silver Street writes Kerry Miller.

It was harsh on the Bath side who were out-passed by the home side who have racked up ten goals in two cup games following their FA Vase win over Bodmin Town on Saturday. Rovers took less than three minutes to open their account when Ben Bickle went down the right and his curling cross was swept in first time by skipper Luke Mortimore and with Brad Ausden testing away keeper George Dorrington and then finding the side netting it soon dawned on them that it was going to be a long evening in Devon.

Ash McGrane had a shot blocked in a rare Odd Down attack in the first half but Dean Stamp was beginning to enjoy himself and having set Ausden up with a deft flick which was saved, he latched onto a quick throw in and smashed in a right foot shot to make it 2-0 on 16 minutes. Mortimore was then in with an open goal beckoning but a superb last ditch tackle by Lewis Dunn saved a third but the reprieve was short lived as Josh Searle’s drive from distance went in off a defender and it was 3-0 half way through the first period. By then Kurt James had been replaced by David Hare and seconds later it was four as Stamp threaded a ball through to Ausden who finished with style. Kye Mountford then set up Jake Sinclair whose close range effort was blocked but Stamp was running the show and his pass through the defence was again finished clinically by Bickle to make it 5-0. He left the best for last with five minutes to the break when his 40 yard pass over the defence found the onrushing Mortimore who shot home for the round half dozen which left Odd Down stunned.

Stamp was replaced just after the restart which was a blessing for Odd Down who were determined to play but Willand had not declared by any means and Mortimore latched onto a quick break out of defence to crash home the seventh and claim his hat-trick. McGrane and Josh Morgan-Williams both went close for Odd Down before substitute Luke Aden hit the post at the other end but the visitors deservedly netted a consolation late on when George Lloyd shot past substitute keeper Aaron Dearing four minutes from time.

Parkway, backed by a large contingent of the Bolitho faithful in a crowd of 95, made their shortest away trip of the season in the quarter-final of the Devon St Lukes Bowl of which they are the current holders writes Graham Lloyd.

It had been a while since Parkway visited their old rivals who now play at a step below them in the SWPL Premier Division and with the central defensive pair of Rob Farkins and Nick Milton unavailable, four changes were made from the previous game including Aaron Bentley and Ryan Lane making welcome returns from injury lay-offs.

With persistent rain sweeping across the pitch there was nothing much between the teams in the early exchanges as both came to terms with the testing conditions. Chances were few and  Parkway struggled to get into the game in a congested midfield with Elburton proving to be well organised, committed and clearly up for it. A cross from Tiegan Rosanquest was cleared off the line with the rebound falling to Adam Carter who blasted over and play continued to flow from end to end with Elburton more than holding their own and looking dangerous on the break down both flanks. Both sides continued to try and move the ball around on the slippery surface  but defences were generally on top with both sides restricted to long range efforts and neither keeper being unduly tested and the half ended all square which reflected the evenness of the game. Parkway almost took the lead on 47 minutes when a cross from Lane found Carter unmarked at the far post only to see his downward bounce up into the hands of Jack Dixon in the Elburton goal. Play immediately switched with a Jake Miller shot being well saved by Kyle Moore and Elburton were looking the better side and with the impressive Miller prompting and probing from midfield but Parkway were then reduced to ten men on 54 minutes. Lane, having picked up a foolish yellow card in the first half, received his second  for a rash, unnecessary challenge. They were forced to ring the changes with Jordan Annear and Les Afful replacing Stewart Yetton and Rosanquest respectively and the deadlock was finally broken on 64 minutes  with Shane Krac firing a free-kick over the wall and the despairing Dixon high into the net. Elburton  had a close range effort hacked off the line by Sam Hillson  before Parkway clinched the tie on 82 minutes. A sweeping move from left to right saw  Krac  clip a superb angled shot into the top corner giving Dixon no chance.

Weather permitting, Parkway return to league action at Bolitho Park on Saturday with fourth placed Bitton the visitors. With their scheduled opponents Cadbury Heath engaged in FA Vase action and keen to avoid two successive blank Saturdays the club hastily rearranged the fixture, bringing it forward from mid March.

Shepton Mallet’s steadily improving campaign continued on Tuesday night with a comprehensive victory over a young Yeovil Town side in the Somerset Premier Cup writes Kerry Miller.

It was an excellent match full of fast attacking football where the mainly U18 Glovers played their part and did not deserve to lose by three goals, the difference on the night being the more experienced Toolstation League Premier Division side’s back line and a clinical display of finishing.

Jon Burr and Craig Loxton’s side included recent new signing Francois Allen, from Westbury United, who scored on his league debut on Saturday and was on target again in this game while the bulk of  Jamie Harrison’s squad ply their trade in the Football League Youth Alliance on Saturday mornings.

The Glovers opened well playing down the slope although it was home striker Tyson Pollard who missed the first chance when he lobbed just over the bar after being put through. Hong Wan then showed some pace to find room for a cross which was held by home keeper Lewis Stainer whose long drop kick on the half hour was ceased on by Allen who netted but was denied by the offside flag on. A defensive slip let in the lively Tyson, who was many home fans’ man of the match but he skied the chance before a similar slip in the home defence let in Devon Arnold but Stainer spread himself and saved superbly. Shepton took the lead ten minutes before the break when a long cross field ball found Kailan Gould wide on the left and his deft lob made it 1-0. It was hard on Yeovil who had up to that point been more than a match and in Lewis Dix, Callum Watts, George Calverley and Arnold had players who caught the eye.

Harrison made changes at the break introducing Tyrique Clarke and Tai Fleming and Arnold created the first chance of the half which was held by Stainer who again set up an attack which Allen could not convert from a good position but it mattered little as seconds later Pollard and Ryan Fry caused havoc in the away defence and Allen’s clinical finish from 20yards effectively clinched the victory on 55 minutes. Stainer saved well from Arnold again as Yeovil rallied and they dominated for some while with Daniel Neild hitting the post from distance. Shepton however were still comfortable and skipper James Billing’s defence looked solid, even late on when Watts hit the post again with a drive but by then Billing himself had ventured forward and nodded in a Pollard free-kick to make it 3-0 which took his side to their second quarter-final of the season with a match with Willand Rovers or Odd Down to come in the Les Phillips Cup.

Referee Andrew Hobbs will have fewer easy matches to officiate than this one while the club will be delighted with the attendance of 182 at West Shepton ahead of Saturday’s home league game with Hallen.

Back in 1995 Arlesey Town beat Oxford City in the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium and included in their squad was midfielder Tony Ward, who some years earlier had lost an arm in a motorbike accident while on holiday writes Kerry Miller.

Included in Baffins Milton Rovers side which beat Bradford Town in the Vase 3rd round on Saturday at Trowbridge Road was a young man called Tony Tierney who has one arm and if he carries on in the same could well emulate Tony Ward and play at the iconic stadium one day.

Although the teams were level not far short of the hour mark he had dominated the midfield and when the Bobcats’ Matt Morris crashed a shot against the post which would have levelled the tie, sadly it was the best it was going to get. In the end three second half goals did for Wayne Thorne’s side who matched their Wessex League opponents in some areas but were outdone by what was a smaller and youthful side who took their chances and were good value.

It was a disappointing end for Town who introduced two new signings from Melksham Town in Lee Davidson and Jamie Lyons and in Jacob Sloggett had a player every bit as influential as young Tierney but he appeared to pick up an injury and lasted until the break.

Bradford settled well and Sloggett was gifted the ball early on but was denied by away keeper Cameron Scott while at the other end Shane Cornish was just wide for Baffins. Much of the first half hour was in midfield where Tierney was spraying passes around but Bradford went closest when Morris flung a wicked curling cross past everybody and the ball somehow stayed out. Feidal Seibou’s pace was causing problems on the Baffins right and he set up Callum Dart but he was kept out by Adam Forster then just before the break Dan Cottle’s pass in to Will Hailston ballooned up but was glanced the wrong side the post before Sloggett’s long range effort was just wide to close out the half.

Bradford had the first chance of the second half when a long ball up field found Hailston but his left foot shot was saved by Scott and the game opened up and was end to end on what was a remarkably good surface after the poor weather. Jason Parish and Tommy Leigh both went close for the Pompey side then Parish somehow fly hacked the ball when eight yards out and Bradford survived but a goal was coming and arrived on 55 minutes. Parish escaped the offside trap and advanced upfield and his pass inside to Dart gave him time to pick his spot past Forster. Bradford came back at Baffins and after Morris hit the post his cross was glanced wide by Hailston who then curled another shot wide of the post.

Baffins regrouped and ten minutes from time Dart finished off a move involving Tierney  and Seibou and the tie was all but gone. Tommy Leigh made it 3-0 with Town stretched up field and there was even time for substitute James Rustell to loop a header over Scott late on but Rovers held on while Town will now look to consolidate last year’s excellent league finish in the second half of the season.

It was a fine game played in a very good spirit and well refereed by Sam Littlefair and Baffins would have returned to Portsmouth with favourable thoughts on all things Bradford Town.

A goal each from Keynsham Town’s strike force of Matt Brown and Craig Wilson plus a fierce drive from skipper Harley Purnell was enough to give their side a passage through to the quarter-finals of the Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday night writes Kerry Miller.

Premier Division opponents Clevedon Town came to play and a late comeback threatened to take the tie to penalties but the Ks survived and wait for the outcome of the postponed Wells City v Plymouth Parkway tie before knowing where they will need to travel to. It was a fine game on what is always a pristine 4G surface ideal for fast passing football while the difference on the night was the home team’s strength and experience against the Seasiders’ youthful exuberance and burgeoning skill.

With fog swirling over the Crown Field from the River Avon close by Ks had the first chance with Cam Shorney hitting a free-kick straight at Sam Blackiston and they dominated until Clevedon got a grasp on the game and took the lead on 18 minutes. Tyler Ashmead’s wicked cross from out wide on the right was glanced home by Archie Ferris at the near post. Keynsham were still looking dangerous despite the setback and James Ollis almost finished off a good move but was denied by Blackiston. They were dealt a blow on the half hour when Danny Spill was helped off and replaced by Matt Martin but moments later it was forgotten as Wilson found Brown whose first touch was sublime and his lobbed finish exquisite. Lucas Vowles almost restored Clevedon’s lead when his left foot shot was parried onto the post by Ash Clark before at the other end Martin and Ollis linked up before Brown was just blocked by a combination of defenders.

On the restart the fog had cleared and within seconds Ks were in the lead after great work from Nathan Curnock whose hard cross was slammed home from a yard out by Wilson on the far post. Wilson had a long range bullet palmed away by Blackiston before Keynsham seemingly wrapped up the tie on the hour when Purnell smashed in a 20 yarder which Blackiston did not see. The home team then went for broke and Martin hit the post before Clevedon mounted a comeback which almost paid dividends. Ashmead found the byline but his squared pass to substitute Ethan Feltham was just too strong but seconds later they were back in it when Syd Camper’s header came back off the bar and was bundled in on  the line by Ashmead to set up a grandstand finish. A Camper backheel was hammered goalwards by Elliot Nicholson only to be kept out by Clark then a corner was volleyed over by Sam Holden but Keynsham held on and are in the last eight, the draw for which took place in the clubhouse at half-time.

A cracking match between two sides who play fast attacking football and a credit to the competition which goes into its mid season break when the outstanding ties are completed and returns in early March.

Halfway through Tuesday afternoon, with the clouds emptying a heavy load, the prospect of a game of football seemed highly remote writes Mark Hollidge. However, magnificent work by the groundstaff ensured that the match could proceed and the pitch wasn’t just playable, it was a good surface. Town’s players showed their appreciation with a measured performance which saw them through to the 3rd round with some comfort.

The previous game with Roman Glass St. George (RGSG) was an all-action , breathless 4-4 draw. This was nothing like that. Town always looked the stronger side and at no stage did they look like surrendering their lead. Especially in the first half, Town passed the ball around with pace and accuracy. Harry Horton, in particular, gave a masterclass of the midfielder’s arts. A bit like Paul Scholes at his best – only with better tackling!

Lee Begg (playing very well at the moment) had the first scoring chance. He got his head to an Ian Bellinger free-kick but his effort hadn’t enough power to trouble Josh Dempsey. A few minutes later, a quickly taken free-kick caught RGSG out. A cross to the far post was a little too long for Dave Pearse but he reacted quickly and his shot on the swivel went a yard wide of the right post.

After another minute, Town were ahead. Bellinger, throughout the game, was adept at delivering some superb crosses with just the right height, strength and accuracy and from one of these Jack Taylor scored. In the heart of the penalty area Town’s ace marksman made himself a tiny bit of space before drilling the ball into the left corner.

With Town totally in charge, the second goal arrived. A Bellinger corner  was headed in forcefully by the high rising Begg and nothing was going to stop that. Taylor next had a low effort saved by Dempsey as Town pursued a third.

Defensively Town were presenting a strong barrier and RGSG weren’t even getting into Town’s penalty area. Ryan Radford gave Town’s defence a tough time in the previous game but he was kept quiet on this occasion and his only chance came five minutes short of half-time. He followed a sharp turn with a low shot at the near post which Jake Viney anticipated and held.

Town looked to have number three just before half-time. Charlie White had been progressive along the right flank and from one of his crosses the ball was bundled into the net by Bellinger but the offside flag stifled the cheers.

Town had one of their post half-time lulls for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Possession became scarce and retention of the ball almost non-existent. RGSG pushed forward and started to pose a threat or two and Sam Wentland and Ibrahim Sarr both had deflected shots which the assured Viney dealt with securely.

It appeared that Town were playing within themselves but they did look dangerous as they tried to break behind the high back line that RGSG operated in the second half. Jake Brown’s pace and skill took him around a defender and his first shot was blocked by Dempsey. The ball came back to Brown and his second shot hit a defender then Bellinger made himself a good opening but his shot was weak.

RGSG seemed to have shot their bolt and Town resumed control and impressive vision from Horton launched Bellinger and from his pass Liam Winter stroked the ball a foot wide of the right post.

It was a pleasing, all round performance from Town. The first half in particular was a classy display. and praise is due to referee Jack Clench who discharged his duties with command and common sense.

Parkway met Brislington for the third time this season, having beaten them 5-1 at home in the FA Vase in September but losing the earlier league encounter 2-3 by a last minute own goal writes Graham Lloyd.

They made one change from last Saturday's victory at Bridport with Sam Hillson replacing the unavailable Shane Krac in midfield. Parkway applied early pressure and took the lead on 12 minutes when Jordan Annear bravely won a header and reacted instantly to his own flick, hammering home a rising shot into the top corner. The game developed into a competitive affair with the blustery conditions precluding too much quality play but it was Parkway, with Annear and Adam Carter, supported from midfield, combining well up front looking the more dangerous. Brislington started to look dangerous down their left with Ricky Chandler and Connor Biggins prominent and linking well and Parkway had a let off on 17 minutes with Clarke Taylor picking up a loose clearance and firing just wide as Brislington came more into the game. Mikey Williams  curled a good effort on target which was well saved by Chris Humphries but both sides were guilty of overhitting too many long balls and on 26 minutes one such long ball was not dealt with and Oaklan Buck pounced on a loose, bouncing ball to prod past Kyle Moore. Parkway almost retook the lead immediately with Annear cleverly setting Carter free only for Humphries to reach the ball first and with Parkway losing their early dominance in midfield and unable to retain possession, Brislington took the lead just past the half hour.

More good play down their left between Chandler and Biggins ended with a deep cross to the far post where the alert, unchallenged Buck nodded home. Brislington almost increased their lead on 40 minutes with Biggins firing just wide and the half ended with Hillson having a speculative shot from around 40 yards comfortably. Parkway started the second half in the ascendancy and deservedly equalised on 49 minutes when Carter  won the ball 30 yards out, shrugged off a couple of challenges and finished calmly. Mike Smith, returning after a three game suspension, replaced Les Affull on the hour and immediately got into the game seeing his shot blocked as Parkway increased the pressure. They retook the lead on 63 minutes when a corner was only partially cleared and Jordan Trott crossed deep to the far post with central defender Rob Farkins rising above everyone to thump a header home in his customary manner. Always vulnerable with just a single goal lead, Parkway had to display their defensive qualities as Brislington had a period in control and a powerful strike from Biggins was superbly and bravely blocked by Nick Milton.

 Parkway continued to work hard to maintain their lead but were dealt a blow four minutes from time when they were reduced to ten men. Smith, who had impressed since coming on, was clearly tripped just inside the Brislington half but sadly his reaction and a moment of petulance resulted in the referee consulting his assistant and subsequently showing him a straight red card.

Parkway remained strong and saw out the game to gain yet another hard earned three points which sees them climb a place to fifth, ahead of Clevedon on goal difference, still with games in hand over most teams around them. The M5 beckons again on Tuesday as Parkway head for sixth placed Division 1 side Wells City in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup and Saturday sees the visit of mid table Hallen to Bolitho Park.

Bridgwater Town sit at the top of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division table after Friday night’s 1-1 draw against Cribbs at Fairfax Park and have done so playing a brand of attacking passing football which is easy on the eye writes Kerry Miller.

However, what is becoming a real concern at the club is their poor disciplinary record which took another battering as they once again were forced to play for an hour with ten men following the sending off of Mark Armstrong. Having been made to start without Jake Llewellyn and Jack Taylor after their red cards at Clevedon Town last week they will now lose Armstrong for three games after he threw the ball at an opponent after a now all too familiar coming together in the centre circle. They were a goal up at that stage and looking good but in the end an injury time equaliser from George Kellow denied them two points which they should have banked. It was a real shame as an excellent crowd of 266 saw an intriguing clash where Cribbs began well and showed why they are still in the FA Vase going into December with Sol Wanjau-Smith and Jason Vincent causing plenty of trouble for the home side who had three teenagers on the bench and player-manager Dave Pearse up front. Bridgy took 20 minutes to settle and then began to play some stylish one touch stuff with Sam Towler having a shot deflected for a corner before their pressure told. Just past the half hour Cribbs got into a tangle from a goal kick and when they lost possession Armstrong fed Harry Horton and his drive was too much for Tom Burns, a defender forced to don the gloves on the night. .

It was the only good news for Armstrong as when Cribbs’ Greg Andrews’ heavy  tackle brought the customary 20 man confrontation, referee Craig Scriven had no option but to dismiss him and Bridgy were up against it. They still played some good stuff and Horton was denied by Burns before at the other end Lewis Hedges was kept out by the legs of Jake Viney just before the break.

On the restart Cribbs again begun well with Charlie Aldom’s cross bringing a header from Wanjau-Smith but Bridgy were not at that stage showing signs of struggling and after a Horton corner had bounced on the bar his free-kick found Tom Ellis whose header was deflected for a corner. Kellow was kept out by a sprawling save from Viney who just held a drive from Wanjau-Smith but by then the home side had been forced to slow the game down at every chance and it bit them when Cribbs levelled in time added on. By then Kellow had a crashed a shot against the bar but on 92 minutes Kellow gave his side a point and sparked scenes of wild celebration atone end and despair at the other.

Bridport finally put behind them a poor run of three defeats and no goals with a determined second half performance on Wednesday night against a gritty Wellington whose 3-0 defeat did not do them justice writes Kerry Miller.

A crisp right foot strike from Kamaron Andrews, a deft lob from leading scorer Leighton Thomas and a perfectly executed free-kick from Mark Salter gave the Bees all three points and a healthy shove up the table and away from the danger zone. It was all so different in the first half as the visitors had the better of much of the play although Salter and Thomas both missed chances.

A pre match hailstorm put paid to any chance of a decent attendance at St Marys but those who did venture out saw a good contest where the Bees started well, using the flanks to create early chances and Salter could have given his side a tenth minute lead but he dragged his left foot shot wide from a good position. At the other end Jack Bryant brought a save out of Jason Hutchings before Thomas nodded wide from close in from Lee Sweet’s cross. Wellington almost took the lead just before the half hour when Conor Bryant set up Joe Chamberlain but he was denied by a superb block by Cameron Vere.

As the action shifted Salter had a volley cleared off the line and Thomas escaped but with only Josh McLean to beat could only fire at him and the chance was gone. Wellington were growing in confidence and Mitch Woodgate fired just over from distance before Chamberlain skied a shot when he should have hit the target. Just on the break Jack Porter’s cross found Chamberlain but  his effort was deflected over and the break came with the visitors unlucky not to be in front.

Harsh words must have been said in the home dressing room as with the Bees’s first attack they took the lead when Matt Condliffe found Andrews and he found the net with a fine finish. Wellington replied and Conor Bryant was in one on one with Hutchings but the home keeper was equal to it and from then on Bridport took over.  Sweet and Thomas combined for Salter to just fail to convert at the far post but on 66 minutes the points were safe when Salter flicked on for Thomas to lob McLean to make it 2-0. Ten minutes from time Thomas was brought down a couple of yards outside the area and Salter’s free-kick flew in off the underside of the bar.

It was a timely win for the Bees who have two awkward journeys in four days starting on Saturday with a trip to lowly Shortwood United before they again venture north on Tuesday to take on Bitton.

Parkway travelled to 16th placed Bridport but, with an emergency road closure on the A35 necessitating a lengthy diversion, they only arrived just under an hour before kick-off thereby disrupting normal pre match preparations writes Graham Lloyd.

With six of the squad unavailable, two changes were made from last week’s game with Tiegan Rosanquest playing at right back, an unfamiliar role for him. Bridport started brightly forcing an early free kick which saw a header well saved by Kyle Moore but on three minutes from their first real attack Parkway took the lead. A long ball from the back found Adam Carter neatly heading on to recent signing Jordan Annear who raced clear and calmly rounded Jason Hutchings in the Bridport goal for his first goal for the club in only his second game.

Bridport looked to bounce back straight away with Kameron Andrews and Dan Peach prompting from midfield and Leighton Thomas and Oscar Latas looking lively on the flanks.   Jordan Trott had a rasping free-kick well saved by Hutchings before Thomas shot just wide when well placed. Bridport continued in the ascendancy with Moore being the busier of the two keepers  then Parkway almost doubled their lead on 25 minutes only for a Mikey Williams run and shot being blocked in the six yard box. Parkway were struggling to gain control of the midfield with Bridport moving the ball around well with Andrews seeing his powerful shot parried away by Moore on the half hour. Rob Farkins then picked up a yellow card for dissent as Bridport continued to threaten with the tricky Thomas flashing a shot just wide on 31 minutes. Annear then made a determined run with his powerful angled shot hitting the side netting and Thomas then headed just wide at the other end as both sides continued to create chances.

Bridport started the second half well creating a couple of early chances but failing to test Moore unduly until Thomas’s fierce angled shot was saved low down by Moore. A five minute spell then became pivotal to the game. On 57 minutes Parkway increased their lead when a fine cross from the left from Les Afful found Carter at the far post who smartly laid the ball back to Williams who curled a superlative left footed shot around Hutchings into the top corner. Bridport were then given a lifeline on the hour when an Afful challenge was deemed illegal and a penalty awarded. After the arguments had subsided and a couple of yellow cards had been brandished, experienced striker Mark Salter stepped up only to see his penalty superbly pushed out by Moore going to his left and then with considerably agility make an equally fine, if not better save to the follow up.

Bridport continued to look dangerous with Salter seeing an effort well saved on 69 minutes but Parkway maintained their defensive shape and, with fresh legs in midfield, also managed to break at pace putting the Bridport defence under pressure until the end.

Yet another hard working, gritty, grafting performance and welcome clean sheet from a depleted Parkway who were forced to defend well against a spirited, well organised Bridport side who at times belied their lowly league position. With more clinical finishing, they may have taken something from the game. The quality of the two Parkway goals was probably the difference between the sides. Parkway climb a place to sixth and are back on the road again next Saturday when they visit Brislington who narrowly won 3-2 at Bolitho Park recently but have lost four and won only one of their league games since then.

Clevedon Town completed a home double over Toolstation Western League Premier Division leaders Bridgwater Town on Wednesday night in the Somerset Premier Cup in fine style but not without some help from their neighbours who played an hour with ten men and 20 minutes with nine writes Kerry Miller.

Two goals from the impressive Lucas Vowles and one from Danny Lock put the young Seasiders through after a contest which the Robins will look back on with no little regret once the dust settles and the suspensions kick in. Jake Llewellyn was shown a straight red by referee Martin Peters for a lunch on Vowles after half an hour while Jack Taylor went after collecting two yellow cards for a series of fouls midway through the second half. They can have few complaints and It means that Bridgy’s league challenge will have to continue without the influential Llewellyn for three games and Taylor for one.

It should take nothing away from Clevedon, for whom there are exciting times in prospect in the FA Youth Cup and their predominantly youthful squad stood up to the more experienced opposition and in the end were comfortable winners. It shouldn’t have been that way as Taylor hit the post with one effort and then screwed another wide when put through after 15 minutes while Vowles and former Robin Syd Camper went close at the other end. Tyler Ashmead was booked for a foul close to the penalty area midway through the first half and Ian Bellinger made him  pay by curling in the free-kick past 17-year old keeper Sam Blackiston to deservedly open the scoring. Clevedon were level minutes later when Dave Thorne fouled Elliott Nicholson and Vowles crashed home the spot kick and the frantic five minutes came to a climax when Llewelllyn saw red but Bridgwater still had plenty of the play and after Clevedon’s Harry Smith hit the base of the post with a cross shot, Dave Pearse almost gave his side the lead at the other end but his shot was deflected wide .

On the restart Bridgy dominated despite the man deficiency and Tom Ellis had a header tipped over but Clevedon did not panic and when Lee Begg was booked for a crude challenge out wide Lock was on hand to finish well and give his side the lead with his first goal for the club since joining from Mangotsfield United. Clevedon were then on a roll and Tyler Ashmead’s close skill brought him the space to fire in a cross which Vowles converted well and they had completed the turnaround. Sadly for Bridgy it was not the end of the bad news as two minutes later Taylor went in late again and having been already cautioned and warned gave referee Peters little option but to send him off. Vowles missed a chance of his hat-trick with a wayward header late on but it made no difference and the Seasiders were through while Bridgy will need to regroup before their home game with Odd Down on Saturday, who will arrive on the back of a 4-1 win at Roman Glass St George on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile Clevedon Town look forward to their FA Youth Cup tie with Sutton United on Monday night which has the once in a lifetime prize of a home clash with one of the top youth sides in world football in Manchester City.

Despite heavy rain over the last 48 hours the game went ahead in front of a crowd of 146 which included a sizeable number of visiting supporters. Parkway made three changes from their midweek Les Phillips Cup victory and included their three new signings in the squad with Jordan Annear starting up front, Les Afful on the left of midfield and Jamie Lowry on the bench writes Graham Lloyd.

Being remembrance weekend, prior the kick off, the Exhortation was recited over the PA, and an impeccable minutes silence was observed. Bradford carried out their customary tradition of presenting a poppy wreath to their opponents on this weekend. A classy touch. The wreath will be laid at the Naval War Memorial on Plymouth Hoe on Remembrance Sunday by two ex-Royal Navy personnel closely connected with Parkway.

Parkway made the early running and took the lead on seven minutes when an exchange of passes between Afful and Shane Krac saw the ball crossed into Adam Carter whose header reached full back Aaron Bentley who bundled home at the far post. A Bentley shot was pushed behind by Adam Forster and the resultant corner headed just over by Carter and they doubled their lead on 13 minutes when a Krac free-kick found Bentley powerfully heading home at the far. With virtually their first meaningful attack Bradford hit straight back to reduce the arrears. A testing free-kick from the right was swung across to the far post where Will Hailston stole in to glance home from close range. Bradford gradually forced their way back into the game with a period in possession with captain Martin Lenihan becoming more influential in midfield. On 26 minutes Parkway's Rob Farkins, returning from captaining the British Army side and scoring on Thursday, almost repeated that effort but his header flew narrowly over. With Bradford continuing to look dangerous on the break, Matt Morris then had a shot well saved by Kyle Moore and another Farkins header was then scrambled off the line after good build up play down the left. Bradford drew level on the half hour after a neat passage of play saw Parkway fail to track the midfield runners resulting in Dan Cottle being put through and finishing crisply, angling his shot across Moore from ten yards. The lively Hailston then shot just wide as the game continued to flow with both sides moving the ball well on the stodgy surface. Parkway regained the lead on 36 minutes when a powerful run and precise cross from Bentley found Carter rising around the edge of the six yard box to curl his header beyond the reach of Forster.

The hard working Mikey Williams then went on a mazy run and neat link up play ended with his fierce shot being superbly saved. Bradford ended the half strongly with Parkway defending in numbers clearing the ball off their line and Cottle firing just over. After the break Afful was replaced by Tiegan Rosanquest on the hour with Ashton Shenley replacing Reeko Best for Bradford. Good work on the right by Annear saw his cross headed just over by Carter with Annear himself having a shot well saved on 63 minutes. Bradford continuing to look dangerous then forced a smart save by Moore as the Parkway defence held firm with Nick Milton showing composure under pressure. On 70 minutes the hard working Carter was replaced by the experienced Jamie Lowry who came on to shore up midfield with Parkway leaving Annear as the lone striker. Cottle was replaced by Jacob Sloggett on 76 minutes just prior to Annear almost opening his Parkway account only to lose control at the vital moment  but after another period of Bradford pressure had been withstood by solid Parkway defending, they finally regained their two goal lead on 83 minutes. A flowing passage of play through midfield with Krac and Williams at the heart of it ended with Williams, under pressure, breaking at pace into the box from the right and curling a sublime shot into the far corner around the despairing keeper. Parkway leapfrog Bradford into sixth place as they continue to attempt to maintain contact with the leaders, still with games in hand with some teams above them. Parkway now have a week to recoup and recover prior to visiting Bridport next Saturday.

Parkway entertained fellow Premier Division side Cribbs in the first round of the Les Phillips Cup at a damp and breezy Bolitho Park in front of a lower than average crowd and goals from Stewart Yetton and Adam Carter  were enough to put them through writes Kerry Miller.

Prior to the game, the league chairman made a presentation to manager Lee Hobbs for Parkway being awarded the Premier Division team of the month for September. An excellent achievement by all concerned so early in their first season in the league. Ongoing unavailability resulted in two changes from Saturdays abandoned game, with two cover players from Tiverton Town included in the squad. Parkway made a sharp start with an early Mikey Williams shot comfortably saved by Lochlan Robertson but almost conceded on five minutes when a loose back pass went narrowly wide with Kyle Moore desperately scampering back. Parkway continued their fast start and took the lead on nine minutes when a good interchange  between Nick Hurst and Yetton saw the ball fed into the predatory Carter who scored. As the game settled, Cribbs came more into things, looking comfortable in possession and moving the ball around well at pace. A Shane Krac long range shot looped just over the bar then Cribbs almost equalised with Jason Vincent turning sharply on the edge of the box and firing just wide. With the assured central defender Nick Milton marshalling the defence well, Cribbs were restricted to a couple of long range in a decent half from two well organised, hard working sides with few chances being created on a surface holding up well considering the recent heavy rain.

Cribbs continued to play some controlled football from the back with George King influential in midfield and Ben Jowell firing narrowly over from a free-kick but  Parkway looked the more threatening for a period and just before the hour a determined run and cross from the right by Sam Hillson and neat lay off from Yetton saw a Rosanquest shot from the edge of the box deflected just over. Cribbs’ Charlie Aldom fired just wide but despite much patient and controlled earlier build play from Parkway it was a route one goal that increased their lead. A booming kick from Moore on 66 minutes saw Carter pressurise a defender with the ball bouncing kindly to the unmarked Yetton on the right who took a good first touch and angled his low drive home from 12 yards. Cribbs had the next chance on 77 minutes after a quick break ended with Dowdell shooting just wide and the final ten minutes saw Parkway continue to attack while the defence remained strong as they kept their first clean sheet for five games. An entertaining game between two evenly matched and  Parkway now face a midweek visit to Division one side Wells City in the second round on Tuesday November 27.

The second of three successive home games now follows when sixth placed Bradford Town visit seventh placed Parkway on Saturday. Bradford come on the back of an impressive 4-0 away victory at Wessex Premier outfit Brockenhurst in the FA Vase last Saturday.

Last Wednesday’s Les Phillips Cup tie at the Sports Field will not linger long in the memory with two second goals from Luke Mortimore and Joe Curtis giving visiting Willand Rovers a passage through to the second round writes Kerry Miller.

There was never any real chance of this game ending with 22 on the pitch with virtually every decision met with a volley of noise and with the free-kick count mounting Craig  Duff left the game on 70 minutes for violent conduct to be followed by Wellington’s Sam Bryant late on.

Jack Porter and George Rogers tested Rovers keeper Mike  Searle early then Duff shot over at the other end and after Brett Worbey had twice gone close Wellington put together a fine move ending with Josh Wadham firing just over. Mortimore should have given Rovers the lead from close range but the half was littered with free-kicks and disputed throw-ins and the half-time whistle was a merciful release.

After the break Rovers played down the slope and dominated the game with Mortimore having a shot hacked off the line before the deadlock was broken as Luke Alden curled a cross to the far post and Mortimore could not miss from yard out on 52 minutes. Both benches were utilised before Conor Bryant kept his side in the game with a superb last gasp tackle as Alden pulled the trigger. Duff then joined the others in referee Andy Sheppard’s book after a confrontation near the corner flag before substitute Curtis fired one home with five minutes left to make the tie safe. Sam Bryant’s late tackle earned him a second yellow and a red and Rovers went through.

While this was not by any means the most ill-disciplined of matches it did highlight how far standards have dropped in the last couple of seasons and how collectively coaches, managers, players and the increasingly spineless FA have a responsibility to rescue the game before it becomes completely unwatchable. The proposed sin-bin at this level, should it happen, will be a serious wake up call and cannot come soon enough.

Wincanton Town exited the Somerset Premier Cup on a horribly wet and windy Tuesday night at the Sports Ground as two second half goals from Rocky Neal put a very youthful Taunton Town side through to the third round writes Kerry Miller.

Town only have themselves to blame as they dominated the first half and led through a stunning Brett Cotterill strike before going off the boil when the elements eased and giving away two goals to defensive howlers. The Southern Leaguers do not have a reserve side and for Premier Cup games in recent seasons have used players from the local college and for this game they named a squad of Neal, Craig Veal and Shane White with Lloyd Irish in goal and ten youths.

The suggestion that the post-match meal consisted of warm milk and rusks was not substantiated but in truth the visitors played some good stuff and it was a very watchable and even game well refereed by Scott Jackson. Wincanton began well and should have taken an early lead when Cotterill and Dan Wise set up Toby Cole but he smashed his shot against the bar from eight yards out then Cotterill drove over but Taunton survived. They responded with White shooting wide but Cole and Declan Cornish were seeing plenty of the ball and the former was strong in winning a tussle before moving infield but the experienced Irish saved well. Town were looking lively and a goal was coming and on 15 minutes Cotterill moved in field again to rifle home a 35 yard bullet which Irish saw but could do nothing about.

After Wise had driven inches wide the rain increased to a downpour around the half hour mark with the few hardy souls on the far side in danger of floating away. Cole and Connor Williams tested Irish as the young Taunton backline creaked but slowly the visitors got into the game and Neal was just wide from distance to close out the half.

On the restart White had moved into the back four for Taunton and the whole complex of the game changed with home keeper Liam Norris making a superb save as Veal put Neal in with the rebound being skied for a bad miss. Norris again kept out a Neal effort with a cracking stop and as the rain eased to a fine drizzle Taunton upped the tempo with Mario Franco finding Douglas Camilo who scooped the ball over. Norris again kept out the lively Neal and Camilo shot over on the hour after the defence had given the ball away but the signs were ominous and when Norris’s attempted clearance struck Neal, he only had to roll the ball in but he somehow missed. The reprieve was short lived as a long  punt from Irish caused panic in the home back line and when Norris missed it Neal was not going to miss, and didn’t with 19 minutes left. Town boss Chris Wise threw on Luke White and Max Hinds with 15 minutes left in an attempt to rouse his troops who were visibly flagging but it was not to be as three minutes later the defence watched as Neal was left alone to nod home a free-kick from six yards to seal the deal.

Plymouth Parkway will have to travel back to the GFA HQ at Almondsbury again this season as last Saturday’s match with Roman Glass St George was abandoned on 65 minutes when the ground’s floodlights were unable to be switched on and the referee had no option but to call a halt with the home side leading by a single goal writes Graham Lloyd.

Still beset by a number of injuries and a suspension, Parkway made two changes from last Saturday's victory and included two cover players from Peninsula League clubs on the bench. In front of a sparse crowd and in blustery conditions, Parkway made the early running without really threatening the home goal. Roman Glass had the first attempt on ten minutes when, after a yellow card for Jordan Trott, the subsequent free-kick was whipped in by Ibrihim Sarr and tipped over by Kyle Moore. Parkway had a major let off on 13 minutes when yet another free-kick from the left by the impressive Sarr smashed against the bar with a follow up header being superbly saved at full length by Moore. On the odd occasion Parkway played the ball on the deck and in behind the Romans, they looked dangerous and a Mikey Williams run and shot was blocked but Roman Glass took the lead on 21 minutes when Parkway conceded possession wide on their right and were punished with the lively Sarr racing clear and putting in a dangerous cross which was swept in at the far post by the unmarked Joe Swift. Parkway almost equalised soon after with Adam Carter heading narrowly over then thought they had equalised after a neat link up between Williams and Shane Krac down the left resulted in Williams cross being touched in by Tiegan Rosanquest who was adjudged to have been narrowly offiside.

Parkway replaced full back Trott with striker Glyn Hobbs at the break with Williams dropping into left back and play continued to switch from end to end but with few chances created by either side in the difficult conditions. Rosanquest was replaced in midfield by Jake Miller on 56 minutes as Parkway upped the tempo with Hobbs firing just wide after a customary strong run and Parkway, playing against the wind, had the momentum with them and continued to apply pressure with more good approach play ending with a Christian Pople shot being desperately blocked. On 65 minutes and with the natural light fading, the referee called a halt to proceedings asking for the floodlights to be switched on. There then followed a period of confusion and chaos and after a further 15 minutes to sort things out the referee abandoned the game having no other option.

Cadbury Heath FC have had many dramatic cup matches and heart stopping moments during their long history but Saturday’s FA Vase 2nd Round tie at SW Peninsula League Premier Division Exmouth Town is right up there with the best writes Kerry Miller. Having taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, Heath were then hit by a spell of three goals in six minutes either side of half-time before grafting their way back in and striking with two strikes in the last three minutes to clinch a dramatic win.

When the dust settled and the alcohol induced headaches subsided Monday’s draw gave the battling Heathens a juicy home draw in Round 3 against St Austell, another SWP Premier side who have already knocked out Plymouth Parkway and Cheddar and are no pushovers in their league. Heath arrived at Southern Road to find a less than impressive playing surface and a strong wind blowing around the ground and they also had to contend with the unavailable Harrison Kite, and Joe Chandler, who is travelling while Simon McIlroy was not fit but was on the bench for emergencies.

Matt  Huxley was in the side having netted eight times in four matches since his return from injury and he was soon in the action when George Boon put him through but his lobbed effort went just wide before Ross Moorhead was denied by home keeper Robbie Powell. Heath were the first to strike on 21 minutes when Sacha Tong showed a nice touch to create room and move forward and beat Powell to put his side a goal up. It got better on the half hour as Tong and Huxley combined for Boon to make it 2-0 and Heath looked in command playing into a strong wind. They were dealt a blow soon after when Kelvin Williams was forced off through injury and McIlroy joined the fray possibly an hour earlier than he was hoping for. Exmouth are also doughty fighters and they have previous as the old club reached the FA Vase semi-finals in the mid-80s only losing a place at Wembley to Fleetwood Town and the current crop were soon back in the game as Cooper’s corner was powered home by the head of the enigmatically named Ace High to make it 2-1. With Heath still reeling from that double blow Cooper was brought down in the area and referee Carl Peters, who had a fine unfussy game, pointed to the spot and Karl Rickard levelled things up.

There was no let up on the restart as Town forced an early corner and the same combination made it 3-2 with Ace High again planting a header past Jamie Powell. Heath were stunned and for a while in truth there looked no way back and Rickard almost made it four soon after but was beaten by the wind. Heath came back briefly with Huxley wriggling clear but lobbing the ball out of the ground before he and Boon were both kept out by frantic defensive blocks. High then hit an angled drive which Powell tipped over but once Heath survived that attack they again dug in and dominated the last 20 minutes. Tong was blocked when in a good position and despite the effort it was beginning to look like heartache until a long cross went back across the goal and Huxley somehow hooked it past Powell with his back to goal and it was all square heading for injury time. Exmouth were stunned and with the home support shouting for offside and handball in the build up Andy Campbell bundled a bouncing ball in from six inches in front of the travelling supporters to bring chaotic scenes from the Bristolian contingent and shouts of disbelief from the home fans.

December 1 is the date pencilled in for the 3rd round as Heath join three other Toolstation Western League clubs in  the draw with Cribbs having a trip to Cornwall to face Saltash United, Bradford Town home to Wessex League Baffins Milton Rovers from Portsmouth and Willland Rovers home again, this time to Bodmin Town.

Calne Town moved into the second round of the Les Phillips Cup with a come from behind victory at the Dening Sports Ground against a disappointing Chard Town side who took an early lead but then went off the boil in the second half writes Kerry Miller.

The Wiltshire side arrived without leading scorer Stuart Windsor but had a share of the play without troubling Scott Wells-Burr in the home goal and after Nathan Warren had shown some early skill down the right a Max Westlake corner fell to Elliot Dyer at the far post and he crashed home the opener on 17 minutes. Calne replied with a fine move up the slope with Rory Worthington and Shannon Pocock combining to put Joe Williamson in but his effort was well saved by  Wells-Burr. Chard came back with Westlake having a shot saved at point blank range by Martin Mitchell but it was Calne who should have levelled when Bill Boakes somehow shot wide from six yards out just before the half hour mark. Tom Salter then hit a dipper from 25 yards which Mitchell touched over to close out the half with the Robins a goal to the good.

After the restart Calne upped the tempo and Jamie Norton and Worthington both missed the target before Ryan Tyrell hit a free-kick just wide from a promising position. It was all Calne and when a corner was cleared off the line with Wells-Burr beaten it seemed only a matter of time as Chard were giving away too many free-kicks. Tyrell blazed another into the bottom field but just past the hour the fight back began as Boakes found room on the right and fed Pocock who tucked the chance away with ease to level the game at 1-1. Chard got back into it briefly but when Steve Friend went off any real attacking threat disappeared with him and with five minutes left they hit the self-destruct button. Boakes was given too much room and his awkward shot from 25 yards was parried by Wells-Burr but it dropped in over his shoulder and the tie was gone.

Shepton Mallet’s recent love affair with the Les Phillips Cup continued on Tuesday night at a chilly Shepton Playing Fields as Jon Burr and Craig Loxton’s side eased past Sherborne Town to progress to the second round writes Kerry Miller.

The 4-1 scoreline doesn’t do justice to the visitors’ efforts as they played their part in an entertaining and flowing game mercifully void of the posturing and mass dissent which is prevalent in so many matches this season. Shepton had skipper James Billing again up front after his four goal haul recently at Hengrove Athletic and with Dale Hunt on one flank and Kailan Gould on the other there were plenty of attacking options for Tyson Pollard to get involved in. The First Division side had the talented Ben Wood up front and he caused plenty of problems for the home defence as both sides played some incisive football on a near perfect pitch. Billing and Gould set up Hunt for a clear chance which he skied over the bar from a good position then Gould was almost in on goal but his shot was deflected wide but Sherborne found space with Matt Day shooting just wide. Wood then drifted wide and his crisp shot brought a fine save from Lewis Stainer. Shepton were stunned on the half hour when a cross was not cleared and when it came out to Wood he curled it in past the unsighted Stainer for a lead which was a surprise but at the same time deserved for their endeavour.

Wood again brought another save out of the home keeper but they were stranded up field and from a quick counter attack Gould threaded a pass through to Tyson Pollard who stuck it in the near corner with the miminum of fuss to equalise five minutes from the break.

On the restart Gould began to enjoy himself and his left foot strike dipped and clipped the bar with James Beale beaten but they were not denied as a superb move through the midfield ended with a drive from distance from Ollie Morris which flew into the top corner to make it 2-1 on 55 minutes. Sherborne were still in the game and Day was just wide with an effort and with Tim Trevett and Aaron West still in there pitching Shepton could not relax. Gould shot over again with ten minutes left to give the visitors hope but that was extinguished when substitute Malick Jammeh flew down the left wing and delivered a cross which fell to Tyson Pollard and his side foot finish clinched a place in the next round. With the very last kick Gould moved inside and his expert finish was well deserved after some skill and clinical passing from his side who won well but had to battle to get past a Sherborne side who did not deserve the 4-1 scoreline.

A decent crowd of 143 were in attendance at Bolitho Park, most hoping to see Parkway halt their run of four successive defeats on Saturday against Shortwood United, and despite playing for over an hour with ten men, the 4-1 victory was comfortable writes Graham Lloyd.

The visitors had the unenviable record of ten games and ten defeats while Parkway welcomed back central defender Nick Milton and striker Adam Carter, Christian Pople  in midfield and cover signing Ryan Richards alongside Carter up front. They  got off to the perfect start taking the lead after 32 seconds when Carter linked well with Richards who unselfishly set up the unmarked Mikey Williams to score. With the luxury of the early goal Parkway quickly got on top as a shocked Shortwood looked to regroup. They had a let off on 16 minutes when a long free kick found Jamie Walker in the clear but his deft lob just cleared the bar. Parkway gradually took control with Shane Krac, Williams and Pople working hard in midfield and with Carter and Richards linking well up front and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead on 19 minutes. A strong run to the bye line and dangerous cross by Carter picked out the supporting Krac who finished crisply from ten yards. Richards was put in the clear on 25 minutes only to blast wide when well placed but Parkway were reduced to ten men on 28 minutes when Mike Smith was shown a straight red card for a strong, arguably mistimed rather than malicious challenge. No real complaints. Shortwood continued to be competitive but rarely tested Kyle Moore as the rather lacklustre, scrappy half came to an end. Tiegan Rosanquest replaced Richards at half-time taking his place on the right of a four man midfield and a Carter header from a Krac free-kick was well saved with Parkway going further ahead on 50 minutes with Krac firing another free kick low to the keeper’s left from 25 yards. Rosanquest was seeing plenty of the ball and his neat link up with Krac ended with another Carter effort being blocked  and  Rosanquest then saw his header well saved after a teasing cross from Krac who then saw his free-kick just past the hour pushed away by Clarke. Jack Rhead  had slotted easily into the midfield area  and pressure finally paid off on 84 minutes when Trott found Aaron Bentley rising unchallenged at the far post to head home from close range. On 87 minutes a rare venture forward saw a superb Jacob Nowell free-kick pushed on to the bar by a previously rarely troubled Moore. Ryan Antell replaced Benchiky for the last few minutes and with almost his first touch notched a consolation goal for the visitors. The pacy Walker, who had been Shortwood's most dangerous player all game, made good progress on the right, evaded a couple of tackles and crossed to Antell who finished from close range denying Parkway a clean sheet.  Credit to Shortwood whose young side competed well throughout, tried to play their football in the correct manner and in a sporting fashion and were rewarded with their late goal but ultimately looked short of the quality required at this level. After three successive home games, Parkway now embark on a 242 mile round trip next Saturday to Roman Glass St. George who currently lie tenth in the table, three points behind Parkway both having played ten games.

Two penalties from Jake Llewellyn and another brace which may or may not have been own goals added up to a comprehensive victory for Bridgwater Town on Saturday at a chilly Fairfax Park writes Kerry Miller.

Visiting Chipping Sodbury Town battled well all afternoon and did not deserve to be hammered, despite a moment of madness from Sean Keet late in the first half which meant his side were forced to play more than half the game with ten men. They were still smarting from the 8-0 thrashing the Robins handed out at the Ridings not long ago and under the father and son management team of Steve and Joe White they played some nice football and, although a goal down, were right in the mix until Keet’s dismissal for violent conduct which gave Bridgy their first penalty and effectively the points.

Former Bristol Rovers favourite White is born and bred in Chipping  Sodbury and lives there now and was the ideal choice for their vacant manager’s job and he seems to have the ingredients to pull his new side out of the relegation spots, particularly with Shortwood United and Hengrove Athletic beginning to lose touch at the bottom but his side had no luck at all on Saturday and Bridgy took full advantage.

Playing with the breeze and with the constant threat of sleet in the air Bridgy forced no less than ten corners in the first half and goals were inevitable and from the fourth in six minutes Tom Ellis muscled in to a near post delivery and the ball flew in via his or a defender’s head, with opinion divided. Visiting keeper Tom Sheppard somehow kept out a point blank effort from Harry Horton soon after but Chipping Sodbury were lively going forward and George Box was causing problems alongside wing back Luke Burman. Jack Taylor finished off a cross from Jake Brown on 20 minutes but was denied by an offside flag and Horton also went close as the Robins got into third gear with Llewellyn and Brown finding plenty of space. The visitors went close on the half hour when Harvey Baker’s fine cross went wide off Box then Baker and Sam Jenkins combined to put Box through but Robins’ goalkeeper coach Steve Laker pulled off a superb save with a foot. It was as good as it got for Chipping Sodbury as moments later Keet clashed with Josh White as a corner was delivered and referee Lewis Sandoe pointed to the spot and showed Keet a red card for violent conduct. Llewellyn made it 2-0 and from then on it was  a case of how many.

Soon after the break Taylor latched on to a through ball and as he shot was clipped from behind by Burman to give Llewellyn his second spot kick in a matter of minutes to make it 3-0 before Burman and Box both  went close for the visitors who refused to go under. It was four on the hour when a Brown cross caused chaos and Taylor and a defender converged on it and it ended up in the net and with half an hour to go another 8-0 was on the cards. Sheppard saved superbly from Taylor before an unusual indirect free-kick for a back pass was kept out by the defence. The last 20 minutes was a case of damage limitation for Chipping Sodbury with the home attack camped in and around the penalty area but in the end they netted four for the second Saturday in a row and sit second in the table behind unbeaten Westbury United and level on points with Willand Rovers

A Callum Demkiv goal ten minutes from time completed a come from behind victory for Westbury United on Wednesday night against Bitton which took them to joint top of the table and kept their unbeaten league record intact writes Kerry Miller.

It was a fitting climax to a frantic match where the White Horse Men survived a Bitton blitz in the middle of the second half before claiming the win and gaining revenge for the FA Cup defeat earlier in the season. With the sides only having lost one league game between them it was always going to be tight, tense and noisy and so it proved with action from start to finish. Demkiv almost embarrassed Bitton keeper Dan Worton early on when his tame shot squirmed away and was grabbed near the line then the same man set up Ricky Hulbert but his volley ended up as a slice. Bitton got into the game and Joe McClennan’s cross found Dean Griffiths whose header clipped the post with Brandon Sawyer beaten. Worton had the jitters early on and after Dan Kovacs hit a long range shot just wide Demkiv’s effort was fumbled and moments later Will Stead’s shot from distance also evaded the keeper’s grip but was grabbed on the line. Bitton survived and on the counter Ben Willshire set up Griffiths but he miskicked on the half hour and the chance was gone. It seemed to matter little for seconds later McClennan curled over a fine cross and Griffith’s back header was expertly guided over Sawyer for the opener to stun the home crowd. Worton redeemed himself soon after with a stunning close range save when Jamie Jordan put Demkiv in again but that hard work was undone three minutes before the break when he dropped a cross and Hulbert hooked the ball back in only for it to go in off a defender for a classic self-inflicted own goal. After the break Hulbert should have given his side the lead after a melee ended with the ball somehow rolling inches wide of the post before Sawyer also had a spell of the yips when a Kane Ingram free-kick was fumbled only for it to go off Ben Bament for a goal-kick. Westbury then enjoyed a good spell as Steve Hulbert’s header went just wide but Bitton were playing some fine stuff and Griffiths’ header brought a fabulous low save from the busy Sawyer. Westbury were under the cosh but with ten minutes left they struck against the run of play as Jordan’s perfect cross was met by an equally precise header from Demkiv which beat Worton all ends up. Demkiv almost made it three late on when his shot was deflected but a flying  Worton palmed it away but it mattered not as Westbury had clinched the win and join Willand Rovers at the top with a game in hand.

A Sam Hillson own goal with a minute to go consigned Plymouth Parkway to their fourth consecutive defeat at Bolitho Park on Saturday against visiting Brislington writes Graham Lloyd.

Having already beaten them 5-1 in the FA Vase earlier in the season, hopes were high with two changes made from Wednesday's starting line-up including continuing with the recent policy of having players from other clubs signed as cover in the squad. Two were included, one starting, the other on the bench, both of whom had played 90 minutes for their parent club the previous evening.

Attacking midfielder Mikey Williams was deployed as an emergency centre back alongside Aaron Bentley and Brislington almost caught Parkway cold from the off with Kyle Moore having to tip over a smart effort from Connor Biggins on two minutes. Parkway were dealt a blow on five minutes when Ryan Lane picked up a nasty looking injury and had to be assisted from the field with Tiegan Rosanquest his replacement and they  were struggling to get any fluency in their play with Brislington proving doughty opponents and denying them  time or space and it was arguably against the run of play that they took the lead on 14 minutes. A long ball found Mike Smith wide on the left and his cross to the far post dropped to substitute Rosanquest who showed good first time control and fired home from ten yards. The game developed into a midfield battle  but Parkway should have doubled their lead just past the half hour   Stewart Yetton   stabbed an effort just wide. Play continued to be scrappy   with Parkway just about deserving to be in front at the break.

Brislington started the second half the sharper and it was no real surprise when they equalised when a  punch from Moore through a mass of bodies failed to gain any distance and  Oaklan Buck reacted quickest and rammed home from six yards. Play was frequently broken up by a series of petty fouls by both sides and injury stoppages with clear chances few and far between and Brislington enjoyed a period of possession with Parkway working hard to stay in the game but lacking the guile to penetrate the robust defence. Parkway introduced fresh legs on 65 minutes with Christian Pople and Tyler Elliott replacing Ben Joyce and Stewart Yetton respectively with Pople quickly into the game winning his fair share of tackles and shoring up the midfield in his customary manner. Parkway regaining the lead with less than 15 minutes to go when  more clever play by Smith on the right released substitute Elliott who was clearly tripped just inside the box with Shane Krac taking hammering home the penalty. Brislington equalised soon after when Parkway conceded another unnecessary free-kick and substitute Woolland was unmarked an nodded home from close range. With Parkway pushing men forward, spaces opened up at the back and with a minute left  a long clearance deep into Parkway territory caused confusion between Hillson and Moore and  Hillson's cushioned header evaded Moore and trickled over the line to give Brislington ahead the points.

The recent dip in form, after an encouraging start to the season, has seen Parkway drop to ninth in the league having lost their last four games, conceding 14 goals and scoring just six. Staff and management now have a week to take stock, regroup, arrest the slide and go again next Saturday when bottom club Shortwood United, who have lost all ten of their league games, visit Stadio Bolitho.

Many league and county cups around the country are suffering from clubs taking the Alex Ferguson approach and dismissing them as a nuisance but games like the one on Wednesday might just breathe new life into one or two of them writes Kerry Miller.

Unrestrained by league points neighbours Corsham Town and Bradford Town played out an excellent Wiltshire Senior Cup tie at Southbank in front of a large crowd which may have been close to 200, buoyed by a healthy away contingent. In  the end Bradford take their place in the next round, after a 3-1 win set up by a stunning first half showing from 22 year old Jacob Sloggett. The former Bath City, Evesham United and Paulton Rovers midfielder ran the show after the home side had taken an early lead with a fine individual goal from Josh Bright, who dispossessed the defence and ran 50 yards to finish with ease. Sloggett and Matt Morris had earlier brought saves out of Joe King in the home goal and  Morris had skied one from a good position but Sloggett’s deft dink through to Will Hailston set up a fine equaliser just short of the half hour. It was all Bradford at that point and just before the break Sloggett somehow found room on the touchline to hammer a cross along the ground and it broke to Matt Jones to crash in from a yard out.

After the restart Corsham were still in the game but chances were thin on the ground and the Premier Division side showed their strength to dominate. The home side  came nearest when skipper Dan King found room to square to Lewis McCarron but his shot was kept out by Adam Forster and Bright could not quite convert the rebound and the chance and the tie were effectively gone. Late on Dan Cottle completed the scoring with another good finish from an angle to settle away nerves.

Corsham now turn to Saturday’s trip to Keynsham Town in the league while Bradford entertain a Clevedon Town side buzzing after their fine win at Plymouth Parkway on Wednesday night.

A decent crowd of 183 were in attendance for the visit of fourth placed Clevedon Town on Wednesday as Parkway aimed to bounce back from Saturday's disappointing exit from the FA Vase at St Austell, but the visitors went away with a 4-3 victory after surviving a late comeback writes Graham Lloyd.

Injuries to central defensive duo Rob Farkins and Nick Milton coupled with other longer term injuries resulted in three enforced changes to the starting line up and the inclusion of three dual registered players from other sides signed as cover earlier in the season. Parkway started at a high tempo against a youthful Clevedon side with an average age of 21 and almost took the lead on three minutes. A trademark run by September's player of the month Mikey Williams ended with his effort rebounding off a post with Mike Smith's follow up superbly blocked by keeper Connor Sidley-Adams.  Clevedon were looking well organised, pacy and threatening and Alex Camm shot just wide on 11 minutes with Lucas Vowles cutting in and seeing his shot well saved by Kyle Moore soon after.  Parkway deservedly took the lead on 19 minutes with a well flighted free kick from the right by Jordan Trott being smartly headed home from six yards by Aaron Bentley. Clevedon continued to press hard  and a quick break down their right saw Vowles release the speedy Tyler Ashmead who cut inside and shot home from 12 yards. Ashmead turned provider five minutes later when another quick break saw his low cross turned in from close range by Vowles to send Clevedon into the break 2-1 ahead after an entertaining, competitive half with little to choose between the sides.

The second half started with Clevedon almost increasing their lead followed quickly by Williams seeing his close range shot well saved at the other end. On 51 minutes Parkway conceded possession allowing Syd Camper to break free, cut inside and finish clinically from the edge of the box giving Moore no chance. With Clevedon looking the far more dangerous side, a great effort from Vowles was superbly tipped over by Moore just before they increased their lead just before the hour. Yet another dangerous cross from the right caused confusion allowing Alex Camm to ram home from close range. Parkway immediately replaced midfielder Callum Hall with striker James Lorenz and  Parkway upped their game and clawed a goal back on 66 minutes. Yet another well directed in-swinging free-kick from the right by Trott saw Yetton get among a pile of bodies at the far post and nod home from close range. With Parkway now sensing another goal and pushing forward, another Trott free-kick on 74 minutes found the target only to be tipped behind by Sidley-Adams. Clevedon were having to show their defensive qualities however they were unable to prevent Parkway pulling back yet another goal on 78 minutes. A superb diagonal ball found Smith in space wide on the right and his excellent first touch allowed him to beat his marker and cross into Yetton who, under some pressure, cleverly turned to set up the alert Lorenz who tapped home from close range.  The final chance fell to Parkway when a fizzing shot from Ben Joyce from the edge of the box flew just wide but Parkway were unable to force an equaliser and will rue the two ten minute periods either side of half-time when some hesitant defending resulted in two goals being conceded in each. For the remainder of the game against a very impressive young, well organised and pacy Clevedon outfit, Parkway contributed fully to a very good game showing the necessary desire and commitment throughout but unfortunately falling just short at key moments. A good game for the neutral no doubt. Parkway remain seventh, ten points off the leaders, with Clevedon fourth but now only a point behind the leaders. Parkway now entertain Brislington on Saturday having already beaten them in the FA Vase at home earlier in the season and will be looking to halt a run of three successive defeats, a rare occurrence over the last few seasons.

Cheddar took their place in Monday’s FA Vase second round draw after a Adam Jones goal deep into injury time finally saw of a determined Totton and Eling on Saturday writes Kerry Miller.

Both sides looked to play but neither could master the strong wind and at times the tempo of the game was at walking pace but with the Wessex League First Division side looking vulnerable on the flanks and central defender Ryan Lomax seemingly carrying an injury from early on in the game there was space when Cheddar couldget the ball down.

Wing back Craig  Mawford soon had the beating of his opposite number and his first raid brought optimism as he beat three men before his cross was held by Calum Ward before in the next attack Ward only just kept out his cross at the expense of a corner. Ricky Bennett was seeing plenty of the ball as he had most of the midfield to himself and his wind-assisted free-kick went inches wide before two corners in quick succession brought a Danny Griffiths header which went wide and a Jones volley over.

Just on the break another Bennett free-kick found the side netting before a rare Totton attack when Sam Vidler’s effort was tipped over in style by the underused Dan Jackson.

After the break Totton were playing with the wind and Adam Kana-ah set up Rory Wood who could not get enough on the cross and they sensed they had a chance of a result as they briefly upped their own tempo until on a quick break Adam Wright was clear one on one but his shot was wide with Ward beaten and a few alarm bells begun to ring. Kana-ah then brought a superb left handed save from Jackson with 15 minutes left and with the wind if anything strengthening the match could have gone either way. Right on the whistle Wood’s volley was again saved by Jackson and extra-time was called which would bring the victory and save Cheddar an unwanted midweek trip for a replay in Southampton. A mad scramble from a free-kick ended with Jones firing just over then at the other end Totton substitute Joe Selby’s free-kick was held by Jackson before Wright should have wrapped it up after a shot was deflected to him but he missed.

In the end it mattered little as a corner was knocked deep and Adam Jones nodded in the winner to send the Cheesemen into the second round of the FA Vase.

Six goals in under half an hour destroyed Plymouth Parkway’s FA Vase dream at Poltair Park on Saturday with home striker Liam Eddy leading the way with four of his own in front of an impressive crowd of 331 including a sizable contingent of travelling faithful.

Due to continuing long term injuries, Parkway were forced to make two changes from last Saturday's defeat by Westbury United and in blustery conditions with Parkway playing against the wind, St Austell made the better start and Neil Slateford shot over with Will Tinsley then seeing his effort well saved by Kyle Moore. From the resultant corner Tom Chambers then headed just wide. With the wind proving a leveller, both sides had difficulty in adapting and Parkway struggled to get into the game before Stewart Yetton's shot was well saved by Jason Chapman who was in action again shortly after with a good block from a close range effort from Mikey Williams. Play continued to switch from end to end with not too much quality  with the ball spending as much time off the pitch as it did on it and Parkway were dealt a blow on 25 minutes when influential central defender Rob Farkins was forced off with an injury. Williams slotted into the back four with Mike Smith switching to the right and Ryan Lane coming on to the left of midfield.   Play continued to be scrappy, however St Austell should have taken the lead on 28 minutes with Liam Eddy heading narrowly wide then arguably against the run of play Parkway took the lead just before the half hour.

A strong run by Smith down the right saw him get in behind the defence with his initial shot being blocked by Chapman with Smith bundling home the rebound. Yetton the shot just wide to end a largely uneventful first half. The second half saw St Austell  against the wind, and they adopted a shorter pass and move game which proved far more effective They dominated  possession  forcing Parkway to defend desperately and the pressure inevitably told and just before the hour St Austell were awarded a penalty after a rash challenge by Sam Hillson. Goldsworthy calmly despatched the spot kick and three minutes later they were awarded a second, arguably less clear, penalty after a clumsy challenge by Moore. Goldsworthy repeated the dose to put St Austell ahead. With Parkway looking shell shocked, St Austell went further ahead on 63 minutes when a defensive error allowed the dangerous Eddy to race clear down the left and finish clinically past the exposed Moore. Tiegan Rosanquest immediately replaced Ben Joyce in the midfield but St Austell increased their lead even further with another smart move ending with Eddy again finishing well. Parkway then went three at the back leaving more space as St Austell continued to dominate all over the pitch with Soares looking particularly dangerous wide on the right. On 78 minutes Eddy completed his hat-trick glancing yet another cross from the right past Moore before Parkway did briefly get forward and were awarded a rather soft penalty when Hillson was bundled over in the box. Yetton's weak shot which was comfortably pushed behind and St Austell finished the game in style with the best team goal of the game. A sweeping, passing move down the right involving at least four players ended with the unstoppable Eddy yet again providing the finishing touch to complete an outstanding second half St Austell performance. No complaints, excuses or explanations as St Austell thoroughly deserved their victory adapting much better to the conditions and playing the right tactics in the second half with Parkway being well below par all round and unable to respond positively. With thanks to Graham Lloyd.

Chard Town had a straight forward passage through to the next round of the Somerset Premier Cup after their fine 2-0 win over an uncharacteristically ill-disciplined Keynsham Town at the Dening Sports Field on Wednesday night writes Kerry Miller.

A superb free-kick from Max Westlake and a well-deserved goal from hard-working Steve Friend put paid to the Ks who finished with ten men and both managers dismissed from the dug out.  Nathan Warren twice tested visiting keeper Ash Clark early on before Matt Curnock did himself no favours by feigning an injury following a challenge in front of the main stand which angered the home crowd. A swift counter attack saw Tom Salter almost find Friend with a cross into the box then the winger, the nephew of Bridport striker Mark Salter, twice went close with drives. Keynsham woke and Gianni Porcaro and James Ollis both went close as the game ebbed and flowed and was very watchable with both clubs having respected the competition by fielding strong line ups. Friend was winning the aerial battles and when he was fouled outside the box Westlake curled in the opener just past the half hour mark.

After the restart Keynsham were playing down the slope and Ollis’s long range effort saw home keeper Scott Wells-Burr just parry for a corner before Chard should have doubled their lead when Salter found James Boyland but he skied his shot from 12 yards. Ollis then went on a 50 yard run himself before drilling a shot wide from distance but frustration was beginning to kick in for the Bristol side and Mike Grist was booked. It got worse as Boyland dribbled into the area and with the defence appealing for offside Friend side-footed in what proved to be the winner. Ten minutes later Westlake went round Grist who brought him down just on the edge of the area and was sent off before another flurry of cautions late on and both John Allen and Russell Holt ordered away from the dug outs by Taunton referee Scott Jackson meant few were sorry to hear the final whistle.

Bristol Telephones and Keynsham Town finished off what has been an excellent and successful Groundhop weekend with a local derby in front of a fine Sunday afternoon crowd of 310 at Stockwood Lane, won with two sublime free-kicks in ten minutes from Cam Shorney for the Ks writes Kerry Miller.

Telephones were playing their second match under new boss Dennis Perry and after the win at Chippenham Park the much changed side were expecting to give their noisy neighbours a close game and that is how it went down.

Kye Tooze had two efforts saved early on before Town almost went ahead when Adey Harvey set up Harley Purnell and his shot was gathered at the second attempt by Will Osborne. Town wingman Kyle Box was just wide with a long cross before Mike Alvis’s far post header found the side netting. The same man repeated the dose from a Tooze corner and with Dhani Golding a presence up front Keynsham were far from comfortable at times. He should have scored when free ten yards out but delayed his shot and it was blocked and Telephones paid for the miss as Sam Abraham’s rash challenge inches outside the box brought a yellow card and a free-kick which Shorney curled into the corner with the minimum of fuss on 26 minutes. Golding went close again at the other end but Keynsham had taken half an hour to wake from their Sunday slumber and when Craig Wilson was fouled in an identical spot, Shorney placed his free-kick in the opposite corner and the lead was doubled at the break.

The second half tailed off for a while with only a Wilson header going wide before Telephones brought the game back to life on the hour as Alvis’s corner was nodded in by Golding and it was game on again. James Ollis then went on a run before setting up Wilson but he was kept out by Osborne and a Purnell free-kick was headed onto the bar by Mike Grist against his old club.

Town ran out the clock to pick up the points but Bristol Telephones will be delighted with the crowd for the final Groundhop game and their excellent work around the scenes on the day made sure it went off without a hitch.

Sunday morning brought football supporters out in force at Fairfax Park for a rare 11am kick off and the sixth Groundhop game of seven between Bridgwater  Town and Bridport writes Kerry Miller. The best attendance of the weekend rocked up, 371, on a bright morning to watch a full blooded Premier Division clash between the Robins, who were looking to cement their top four placing and the Bees, who had stuttered in the league but were coming off the back of a 10-0 win in the Les Phlllips Cup.

In the end it took a red card to confirm the destination of the points as Bridport defender Andy Martinwas given a straight red for a wild challenge on Harry Horton before two minutes later a huge throw from Josh White was back headed in by Tom Ellis to clinch the win and the points.

Bridport began well with Oscar Latas shooting just over then home wide man Jake Llewellyn had a volley comfortably held by Jason Hutchings. Bees skipper Mark Salter and Latas linked up for Sam Clark to shoot wide on ten minutes and what had become an end to end contest continued as a long free-kick found Llewellyn again but he was denied by Hutchings again.

Bridgy were looking good also but were faced with an imposing back line which included former Robin Chris McGrath and Jack Taylor found room wide but shot over then on the half hour James Regan drove just wide from distance for the Bees as a goal seemed to be coming from either end.

Just on the break Taylor’s flicked header was held by Hutchings and the teams went in goalless but not for the want of trying after a lively first 45 minutes.

Bridport were out of the blocks first and Martin’s free-kick from 30 yards out rattled the cross bar then Richard Hebditch put Clark in but Jake Viney was equal to it. Just on the hour Dave Thorne crashed a 25 yard bullet against the post and Taylor’s effort from the rebound was saved which was a huge let off for the visitors but moments later they shot themselves in the foot when Martin was dismissed and Bridgwater struck as Ellis’s header beat Hutchings with 15 minutes left. Bridport were not finished and after Regan’s free-kick was saved on the line Salter almost rescued a point but his downward header was scooped away at full stretch by Viney and the Robins go third, three points behind leaders Willand Rovers after seven wins from their first ten games.

Bridgy entertain Wells City in the Somerset Premier Cup on Wednesday evening while Bridport prepare for their big FA Vase tie at home to SW Peninsula League Falmouth Town on Saturday.

The final game of Saturday’s four game marathon was at the Lawns, home of Premier Division Cribbs who inflicted another defeat on Hengrove Athletic who are now only above Shortwood United in the table writes Kerry Miller. The home side had also struggled so far this campaign but both sides entertained on a pitch which cannot surely be bettered anywhere in the region. In the end it took an 85th minute winner from Sol Wonjah-Smith to clinch the win after Hengrove had equalised through substitute Mark Fear following a rare second half attack.

Cribbs began well with Charlie Aldom and Ben Dowdell setting up Sam Oakley but his shot was sliced wide then in the next attack they took the lead. With just  four minutes on the clock Joe Woodley’s fine cross found Dowdell on the far post and crashed home the opener past Carl Bush.

At that stage it was all Cribbs and from another swift move Wanjau-Smith watched his effort deflected just over before Hengrove got a toe hold in the game as Craig Parsons laid the ball back for James Boyle to shoot inches wide.

Dowdell then lofted a free-kick into Dan Spicer whose effort clipped the bar and went over and Bush was in action again soon after when Aldom brought a flying save out of the Hengrove keeper. Both teams had to make adjustments when Tom Emery for Cribbs and Boyle for Hengrove limped off on 17 minutes and Ben Crewe almost took advantage but he was denied by a diving stop from home keeper Archie Watts. Dowdell should have doubled the lead just before the break but missed from close range and Hengrove were glad to go in just a goal behind at the break.

Cribbs continued to dominate and Dowdell’s pace twice took him clear with Bush saving superbly and then watching as another effort was deflected wide then experienced striker Tom Collett, who had come on as substitute scooped the ball wide from two yards out on the hour. The same man should have clinched the deal in the next attack but shot wide after great work from Wanjau-Smith and almost inevitably Hengrove broke and in a rare attack substitute Mark Fear was clear and beat Watts for a surprise equaliser.with 15 minutes left.

Cribbs were stunned but they fashioned a winner with five minutes left as a fine move across the box reached Wanjau-Smith and his first time side foot finish showed everyone else how to do it. It was a fine finish to a long day for all connected with the Gground Hop and the 227 crowd brought some much needed revenue into the Cribbs kitty.

The third game of the day,and the fourth of the Groundhop Weekend saw Shepton Mallet run out convincing victors over Hallen on Saturday evening in front of a good crowd of 218 at Moorhouse Lane writes Kerry Miller.

Two goals either side of the break and a late third was a touch harsh on Hallen but Shepton were full value on what was a chilly and damp night. Tom Hill curled a cross shot just wide early on before at the other end Cameron Pike scooped away a header from James Fisher on 20 minutes. Joe Morgan and Tyson Pollard were lively all game for the visitors and they combined on the half hour but were just crowded out. Pollard found the impressive Dale Hunt who was just too high with a left foot drive but Hallen found themselves behind just before the break when an almighty scramble saw Hill hit the post and Ashley Willmott somehow hooked the ball in while sitting on the floor five yards out. Hallen began strong at the restart and Kyle Thomas brought a save out of Pike from 18 yards out but Hunt was beginning to have an influence on the game and after Liam McFarland saved well from another fierce drive, the winger’s long cross was turned back for Pollard to beat McFarlane with a shot which took a cruel deflection and looped in just before the hour.

Hallen responded well with Caelen Simpson watching his bullet shot fly just wide then a long free-kick found Matt Davis whose header landed on the roof of the net. They were having a good spell but after James Fisher’s drive was held by Pike it began to fizzle out and Shepton took full advantage. Pollard hit a drive from 25 yards which McFarlane did well to claw away but from the corner Joe Morgan hooked in the third in a similar fashion to the opener. Ollie Bryant lobbed wide late on but Shepton were home and hosed and turn their attention to a juicy encounter next Saturday when Bridgwater Town are the visitors. Hallen have local derby at home to Chipping Sodbury Town.

Buckland Athletic moved up to 12th in the Premier Division table after Saturday’s come from behind victory at Clevedon Town writes Kerry Miller. It was a performance which grew in confidence which has been sadly lacking for much of the fledgling campaign and in the end they were worthy winners against a home side which played some good football themselves but struggled to master the blustery conditions. Buckland started well and dominated but it counted for nothing as Syd Camper’s inch perfect pass found Alex Camm whose deft flick over Kenny Griffiths gave Clevedon a 12th minute lead. The 213 strong crowd were enjoying the encounter and minutes later  Richard Groves beat a square back line but found the post with a drive rather than the net and Clevedon survived. The wind was causing havoc and many of the attacks as passes were blown away in the breeze but Lucas Vowles hit a free-kick from 30 yards wind assisted and it just flew over on the half hour. Buckland made the most of their let off as from the next attack Nick Rudge was given too much room and his cross found the unmarked Charlie Johansen who nodded home from a couple of yards out. The visitors were beginning to enjoy themselves and Johansen’s pace took him clear but again his shot was just wide and the sides went in all square.

The second half suffered from the conditions for a while with too many passes going astray and Vowles went closest for the Seasders but he was just crowded out at the last moment. Dan Harrison nodded a free-kick over for Buckland then home keeper Connor Sidley-Adams denied Groves but Buckland were getting stronger and Rudge threaded a stunner through to substitute Ryan Bush and his finish was composed and clinical. Bush should have wrapped it all up with the next attack when one on one but he missed but it mattered little as a corner was not cleared and James Richards delighted the travelling supporters in the stand and the Groundhoppers with a crashing drive past Sidley-Adams to clinch the points.

Buckland now entertain bottom club Shortwood United, who have yet to register a point, on Saturday while Clevedon Town are at Hengrove Athletic who themselves are on a long losing streak at the moment.

Longwell Green Sports and Welton Rovers had plenty to live up to after Friday’s game at Brislington and happily despite the constant rain and blustery condtions they succeeded with Rovers coming from behind with strong second half performance to take the points back to West Clewes writes Kerry Miller.

The 11am kick-off on Saturday morning coincided with some grim weather but 213 gathered at Shellards Road, now named the Tilefair Arena to watch the home team take a two minute lead when a long throw was allowed to bounce across the area and Conor Britton slammed it home from two yards out. It should have been two as Liam Crewe sliced wide when well placed before new signing Jason Adams and Britton both missed with scorable chances which would come back to haunt Sports. Welton took an age to settle and begin to play by which time they could have been four down as Danny Carter fired over and Britton missed again and they were made to pay as Aaron Seviour’s perfect cross was volleyed home in fine style by Lewis Hunt just on the half hour. The same combination almost gave Rovers the lead moments later  but were inches away but Longwell Green roared back and Britton and Carter brought saves out of Tom Drewett. Something had to give and on 38 minutes the home side were in front again as Carter’s corner found the unmarked Courtney Charles whose header was unstoppable from four yards. Seviour then volleyed a free-kick just wide before Luke Lecrass netted late in the half but there were few complaints at the offside decision.

After the break the sides still went for the win which warmed an appreciative Ground Hop  crowd huddled in the stands and Sports were soon dealt a double blow when Crewe gave away a free-kick and received a yellow card and the punishment was doubled as Will Hunter directed the free-kick towards the on running Seviour who glanced it past Ryan Perry for the second equaliser. Sports should have gone ahead again when Lecrass found Carter who missed from close range and then seconds later hit the bar with a header. They were pivotal moments as with ten minutes left Welton substitute David Cooper set up Seviour with a deft pass and he stooped to nod in the winner.

With results going their way the win took Rovers to the top of the First Division and they will hope to consolidate that place when they entertain Sherborne Town on Saturday. Before that there is the small matter of a trip to Southern League Larkhall Athletic on Wednesday in the Somerset Premier Cup.

A stunning hat-trick from Odd Down’s George Lloyd completed a late comeback at Ironmould Lane after his side were 2-1 down with ten minutes to go in what was an excellent curtain raiser to the Toolstation Western League Ground Hop on Friday night.

The match attracted a crowd of 262 and they saw a gripping encounter which began with defensive errors leading to goals at each end in the first half. Briz started well with a Clarke Taylor back header being tipped over for a corner but Odd Down countered and when the ball was given away on seven minutes Lloyd opened his account with a composed finish.

Seventeen year old Aaron Sainsbury was in goal for the visitors as he was on a month’s loan from Bristol City for work experience and twice denied Taylor with fine stops then Jimmy Woollard escaped near the half way line and was clear but screwed his shot wide. Sainsbury again came to the rescue saving from Jason Llama before at the other end Brandon Benjamin’s effort was touched onto the bar by Chris Blammon who held the rebound. Briz should have levelled just before the break when Taylor’s pulled back cross was missed by all but the reprieve was short lived as another error let Taylor in and his finish was superb.

Josh Morgan-Williams came on at the break and made an impact as he was almost instantly booked and then injured meaning a long break and when he recovered the action began in earnest with Jaiden Savery shooting wide from a clear position for Odd Down but on 70 minutes Briz struck again. They fashioned a good build up before Connor Biggins cut in from the left and unleashed a dipper which sailed over the flying Sainsbury and in for the lead. It set up a grandstand finish for ten minutes from time Lloyd latched on to a ball 25 yards out and his hooked shot gave Blammon no chance. The action was frantic and end to end and five minutes later the visitors took the lead when a free-kick was not cleared and Lloyd was in the right place to hook the ball home from a prone position. Briz were not beaten yet and it was left to Sainsbury to pull off a late diving save to deny Biggins with the last effort which clinched the points for Odd Down.

After five successive away matches, Parkway returned to Bolitho Park in front of a crowd of 156 to entertain fellow promoted club high flying Westbury United, last season’s Western League Division 1 champions writes Graham Lloyd.

Parkway were looking to consolidate their league position against a side who had a 100% record having won all seven of their games. A couple of ongoing injuries resulted in Parkway making four changes and both  sides made positive starts with Westbury looking sharp and incisive in midfield and pacy up front and a header from a right wing corner was well saved at full stretch by Kyle Moore. Parkway continued to compete well with Ryan Lane and Tiegan Rosanquest seeing plenty of the ball in wide areas but too often their final ball lacked the quality to trouble the solid looking Westbury defence who were proving hard to break down. However neat play between Mikey Williams and Mike Smith down the left ended with Smith's shot from 12 yards being tipped over by Westbury keeper Brendon Sawyer. With the impressive Westbury midfielder Josh Ferguson beginning to dictate proceedings, Parkway spent a period on the back foot  before Westbury's Ricky Hulbert was booked for dissent on 28 minutes just prior to strike partner Dan Kovacs picking up an injury and being replaced by Jamie Jordan. On 38 minutes Moore did well to smother a dangerous cross from Will Stead before play switched to the other end with Ben Joyce seeing his fierce shot pushed wide. Westbury continued to look dangerous on the break and on 43 minutes only a last ditch, perfectly timed tackle by the ever reliable Rob Farkins prevented Hulbert from getting his shot way. The half ended with the lively Callum Dimkiv receiving a yellow card for persistent infringements.

At the break Shane Krac replaced Rosanquest who appeared to have picked up an injury and soon after Westbury almost took the lead with Jordan shooting just wide. Parkway then had a ten minute period of pressure with a Lane cross fizzing across the six yard box without getting a touch and Krac having a snap shot saved.   Westbury almost took the lead just before the hour mark when Ferguson was just wide as the Parkway defence retreated. A firm Smith header was blocked on the line at point blank range by Sawyer then Krac then saw his deft chip just clear the bar. From a Parkway error on 68 minutes, Westbury made the vital breakthrough when a  break down the right exposed the Parkway defence and the unmarked Demkiv slid the ball home from close range.

Parkway almost equalised straight from the restart with a Stewart Yetton shot being headed off the line but as they pushed forward Westbury were able to exploit gaps at the back and Hulbert shot narrowly over on 76 minutes. Westbury were content to see the game but should have doubled their lead near the final whistle when another long ball over the top saw Moore forced to rush well off his line with Allen just beating him to the ball, rounding him on the deck at least twice before inexplicably missing the unguarded goal from close range. It was Parkway's first home defeat since losing to Westfields in the FA Vase last December and sees them remain in sixth place, ten points off Willand Rovers at the top with three games in hand. Attention now turns to the FA Vase next Saturday with a visit to old rivals St Austell.

Parkway  were on the road again for their fifth successive away game, a Tuesday night visit to Bitton in the preliminary round of the Les Phillips Cup writes Graham Lloyd.

Bitton were an in form side having won ten out of their 11 games in all competitions, their only defeat being at higher league Taunton Town in the FA Cup. Parkway made four changes   including a debut for young striker James Lorenz signed from Liskeard Athletic. Parkway started the sharper and at a high tempo with Stewart Yetton heading just wide and it soon became clear that the game would be a physical, uncompromising encounter with some hefty challenges early on. Parkway continued to look dangerous with the returning Shane Krac shooting just over then seeing his superb shot saved at full stretch by home keeper Sam Burgess. Krac and the hard working Christian Pople in midfield were being matched by Bitton's Joe McClennan and Reeko Best and  Bitton got back into the game   and almost took the lead just before the half hour when Josh Egan saw his powerfully hit free-kick superbly saved by Kyle Moore. On 35 minutes Ben Bament saw his shot deflected for a corner but  Parkway gradually regained some control and took the lead on 37 minutes. A good passage of play between the lively Tiegan Rosanquest and the energetic Pople on the right saw Pople deliver an excellent cross, Lorenz make a clever run creating space in the box allowing the predatory Stewart Yetton to escape his marker and hook home from close range.

Parkway started the second half the better with Mikey Williams shooting just over and after  Ben Joyce replaced the hard working Krac just past the hour arguably the defining moment of the game arrived. A Bitton attack on the right broke down with the ball being cleared to Lorenz racing clear down the left only to be scythed down 50 yards out by Jake Allward who was shown a straight red card. Burgess was also booked in the ensuing melee. Lorenzo was immediately replaced by Mike Smith with Bitton defender Kane Ingram off for midfielder Ibrahima Diallo as they pushed forward looking for the equaliser. This allowed Parkway more space and Parkway had an almighty let off ten minutes from time when a looping header bounced off the top of the bar. With Bitton pushing forward, Parkway exploited the room at the back and finally doubled their lead on 84 minutes. Excellent play between Smith and Lane on the right resulted in the ball being pulled back to substitute Joyce on the edge of the 18 yard box who unerringly drilled his shot low into the far corner. One of Parkway's toughest and most physical games of the season which threatened to boil over at times with the referee just about managing to keep the lid on proceedings. A hard fought victory against a good side and the league encounters later in the season are eagerly awaited. Tonight's game was Parkway's 12th win out of 14 in all competitions and their seventh clean sheet, a bedrock of any successful side. After a month on the road clocking up the miles, they now return to Bolitho Park on Saturday when Westbury United are the visitors. Westbury were last season's Division 1 champions and currently lie second in the table with a 100% record, winning all seven of their league games so yet another exciting match is in prospect.

Calne Town banked three points on Saturday from their Division One game with Sherborne Town at Bremhill View after what was a bitter sweet day for the club writes Kerry Miller.

What was a positive and happy occasion with the unveiling of the grant aided improvements at the ground was tinged with sadness with the passing of long time clubman and former chairman John Rumming recently, for whom a minute’s applause was held before the game.

Sherborne came to play and had plenty of possession early on but their luck deserted them and by half-time they were two goals down and had lost two men to injury and they never recovered.

Calne were missing suspended skipper Mat Hudson and Dan Sibley but on a superb surface were soon threatening and Ryan Tyrell bossed the midfield for long periods. Rory  Worthington latched into a poor clearance but was denied by keeper Josh Attwood  which was the only real chance until Sam Farthing limped off and was replaced by Solomon Carney just short of the half hour. With the defence still re-organising Joe Williamson found room on the left and his fine cross was finished with some style by Tom Boakes to put Calne a goal up. Within a minute Sherborne were hit again by injury as Dan Newens went off and Calne went for the jugular as a flowing move through the centre reached Williamson but he nodded over. Stuart Windsor then stabbed just wide after another excellent three man move but he wasn’t to be denied as two minutes from time a long punt from Martin Mitchell reached Attwood but he missed with his clearing kick and Windsor reacted first to lob the ball into an empty net.

Just on the whistle Matty Jenkins watched his 30 yard drive fly just wide and a battered Sherborne were pleased to reach the dressing rooms only 2-0 down.

On the restart their luck got no better as they had a strong penalty shout turned down by referee Ben Slade and they looked lively for a while as Calne dropped deep. Jenkins drove over again before Elliot Mann almost halved the deficit but his fine volley was just too high. On the hour Attwood made up for his earlier error with a stunning save from man of the match Jenkins and Sherborne sensed they could still salvage something from what looked a lost cause. Mann’s free-kick was headed over by Harry Turner who then hit the post after linking up with substitutes Harry Vandervell and Tom Budden. Mann fired over late on but the comeback was not to be and after Williamson had been denied a third by Attwood the rebound was headed off the line before Windsor closed out the game with a close range effort which went just wide.

The win saw the Lilywhites climb above Sherborne into sixth place by a single goal as they look to Saturday’s journey to Bishops Lydeard while Sherborne go to Cheddar.

Parkway resumed league action as they travelled to Hengrove for the second time this season having previously won 5-1 there in the FA Cup writes Graham Lloyd.

 With a considerably depleted squad, they were forced to make five changes, including a first start of the season for youngster Jack Rhead.

On 12 minutes Sam Hillson headed over then Mikey shot was well saved by home keeper Carl Bush. Looking comfortable in possession Parkway continued to threaten but were being restricted to shooting from distance and struggling to get in behind the deep lying Hengrove defence. Teigan Rosanquest, looking impressive in midfield, saw his shot well saved low down by Bush and Hengrove continued to defend well and from a rare break Jacob O'Donnell fired just wide. They continued to break forward occasionally but rarely threatened Kyle Moore in the Parkway goal. With Ben Joyce, Christian Pople, Rosanquest and Rhead controlling the midfield, Parkway continued to dominate but Hengrove remained difficult to break down. Near the break a Hengrove counter from a Parkway corner saw a long ball launched forward and Moore had to race out of his area to just beat O'Donnell to the loose ball and hack clear.

Parkway almost took the lead on the restart when the hard working Stewart Yetton pushed his shot just wide then central defender Nick Milton missed from close range on 53 minutes before Bush excelled again on the hour, acrobatically pushing a shot from the ever dangerous Williams over the bar. Williams then saw another shot cleared off the line but the breakthrough finally came on 64 minutes when Yetton found the unmarked McAuley who hammered his shot into the roof of the net from six yards.

Always vulnerable with just a single goal lead, Parkway continued to push forward but Hengrove continued to provide stubborn resistance and also created a couple of efforts from long range which were dealt with comfortably by the Parkway defence which shut up shop to see the game out without any further alarms. They now lie sixth in the league with 15 points, seven off the leaders but with games in hand over most of the teams above them. A challenging week now follows with another trip up the M5 on Tuesday to the much fancied Bitton in the Les Phillips League Cup. After a run of five successive away games, they finally return to Bolitho Park next Saturday when high flyers and last season’s Division 1 champions Westbury United, are the visitors in the league.

Premier Division Bridport posted double figures on Wednesday night on what was an evening which occasionally bordered on the surreal writes Kerry Miller.

First  Division basement side Bristol Telephones were faced with a tortuous journey down to Dorset from Stockwood and with kick-off half an hour away had a bare half dozen who had made it down. The home side had already rested Leighton Thomas, Mark Salter and Chris McGrath when Kameron Andrews was temporarily stranded at Odcombe before a frantic dash saw him arrive just on kick-off time and with home manager Adam Fricker away, Paddy Behan was in charge of making sense of it all.

It seemed not to phase the Bees as they threw off Saturday’s poor showing against Brislington and enjoyed themselves at the Bristolians’ expense. It was cruel on the visitors who stuck to the task but could have done without losing young defender Cory Vile on 20 minutes when he punched a goal-bound header off the line and was shown a red card. It was a long way to travel for 20 minutes of football and the Bees were ruthless netting five goals in each half with Sam Clark leading the way with four.

Telephones could not cope with Andy Martin’s in-swinging corners from the start and his opener bounced on  the bar before Richard Hebditch’s effort was blocked and Ben Morris then escaped the offside trap to face Kye Slocombe who saved well with his legs. The reprieve was short lived as another corner was nodded in from a yard out for the opener by Braeden  Symes on 15 minutes and the floodgates began to creak open. Martin had a volley deflected inches over before Vile’s untimely departure gave Hebditch the chance to make it two from the spot, but Slocombe made a superb save to his left for a corner. Again there was no reprieve as Martin’s kick was too much for the ten man side and Sweet nodded home.  Josh  Williams then fed Clark who brought a save out of Slocombe but his luck was out again as Morris slammed in the loose ball. Just on the half hour Hebditch scored from a tight angle after a skillful solo run to make it 4-0 and with the away back line struggling Bridport beat the offside trap again and a three on one attack ended with Norris setting up Clark  to roll in the fifth.

In between the salvo Telephones were determined to show they wanted to play and midfielder Matt Maynard did not stop running and challenging all night while skipper Will Osborne could do little at the heart of the defence and kept going although testing the patience of referee Scott Robertson more than once. On  the hour Bridport made it six when a sublime cross from Norris was hammered home on the volley by Clark for the goal of the game then two in a minute brought the prospect of double figures into view. Oscar Latas hit the post before scrambling in the rebound and in the next attack Leon Wood’s cross was side-footed in by Clark for his hat-trick. Slocombe again saved superbly from substitute Leighton Thomas but he also was not to be denied for on 85 minutes a brilliant flick on from Clark set him free in the box and he smashed in the ninth goal.

With many of the home fans naturally wanting double figures there were others who saw that as just one cruelty too many but salt was rubbed into the wound at the death when Hebditch was brought down in the box and Clark slammed in the spot-kick to make it ten.

Telephones will have better evenings and can only hope they have no worse ones as they look to league action on Saturday at Chippenham Park while the Bees entertain Cadbury Heath.

Bishops Lydeard are in the draw for the next round of the Les Phillips Cup after a 2-1 win at Radstock Town on Tuesday evening but they had to survive a second half onslaught from the home side after going in at the break seemingly in complete command writes Kerry Miller.

In the end they had to thank some poor finishing from the Miners for their victory but a late, twice taken penalty got them back into the game before they hung on as both sides struggled to keep their discipline in a frantic last couple of minutes.

It was a brave showing from  Radstock who were already two goals down when striker Sam Gregory was forced off with a worrying looking neck injury just before the break and although they took charge of the second half it wasn’t to be. Corey Rawlings set up Ayodime Ajijedidun who was foiled by a brave save from Nathan Whatley then Lydeard went close through Harry Millar whose hook shot hit the bar. Luke Desave and James Quick then linked up for Ryan Brereton to shoot wide but he was not to denied as in the next move he hit one from 30 yards which dipped and went through Jack Scrivens for the opener on 17 minutes. Radstock were largely outplayed in the first half although Gregory brought  a save out of Whatley but on 24 minutes it was 2-0. A ball was driven in from the left and when it was not cleared Quick found the bottom corner with the defence all at sea. Desave for the visitors and Gregory for the Miners traded 25 yarders which were saved and Desave brought a fine stop from Scrivens who saw the rebound headed off the line to keep his side just about in the game.

Gregory then went off and Will Jacomb replaced him with manager Shane Smith keeping his side out on the pitch at the break to sort things out.

Whatever was said seemed to work as Radstock took the game to Bishops Lydeard who fell deeper and Kyle Norris had an effort saved by Whatley who could then only watch as two corners were curled in and both somehow evaded everyone in the area. Jack Metcalf then nodded a free-kick over and a Rawlings’ cross was put wide from five yards by Jacomb. By then the misses were already looking costly and so it proved as the busy Jacomb hit the bar with a header and Norris had an effort blocked for a corner. Lydeard survived but Jacomb then went down under a challenge in the area and Norris fired in the spot kick only for referee Graham Pearce to order it to be retaken on account of a Radstock man being so far inside the area he was in front of Norris when he took it. He duly chipped in the second effort but it was academic and Lydeard are in the hat for the next round while Town must regroup in time for their derby home clash with Bishop Sutton on Saturday.

Two goals in the last half hour finally did for Plymouth Parkway on Sunday afternoon after an epic battle where the Western Leaguers more than held their own with the National League South hosts in the FA Cup second qualifying round writes Kerry Miller.

It was cruel on the visitors who made the 350 mile round trip to the Tigers’ temporary home at Evesham United with the real possibility of an upset and remarkably were level at 1-1 within 90 seconds of the kick-off. In the end it came down to City managing the blustery elements better with Parkway unable to utilise the strong wind sufficiently in the second half.

The game got off to a remarkable start as within 17 seconds, debutant Fabien Robert received the ball on the left and jinked in before driving an unstoppable curling drive over Kyle Moore for the lead. The former French U20 international is on loan from Forest Green Rovers and in the programme notes the club were hoping that he provided a few goals during his month long spell and he was not about to disappoint them. Parkway responded immediately and from the restart Mikey Williams’ pace was too much for Sam Avery and he was brought down in the area, Adam Carter dispatching the penalty with little fuss.

Robert was having fun in the centre of the park but Parkway were not there to make up the numbers and Mike Smith, Williams and Ben Joyce were all battling and showing well. Moore saved with difficulty from Jamal Lawrence who showed some searing pace when given the chance and Gloucester were using the long early ball with the wind with good effect although the defence, with Nick Milton, Christian Pople and Rob Farkins were magnificent. Stewart Yetton was just denied after the City defence was caught in possession then at the other end Joe Hanks’ flick was just tipped away by Moore as the action went from end to end. City should have taken the lead around the half hour when Robert’s first time pass sent Joe Parker free and with only Moore to beat his lob found the top of the bar for what could have been a very costly miss. Smith was having plenty of success against young full back Noah Smerdon who struggled for pace but the England Youth International looked good going forward and improved as the game wore on. Ryan Lane then went on a 60 yard run and found Smith but keeper Matt Yates just did enough before Williams and Yetton combined only to find the side netting.

City had the last chance of the half but Hanks blasted over from a good position and after some lengthy treatment for Williams the teams went in all square.

Parkway had enjoyed a fine spell but Gloucester are used to coping with the windswept and open Jubilee Stadium and with the breeze against them looked more comfortable. Parker and substitute Harry Williams went close then Moore saved well from Parker’s curling corner but a goal was looking on the cards and it arrived just past the hour. Parker had taken over the role from Robert who had faded from the game and his shot was parried by Moore only for Williams to hammer the loose ball home for the lead. Parkway were not done and Carter grafted for Joyce to sky a good chance then Carter’s fine first touch to a ball over the top set up Yetton but he shot over. Williams then wasted a free-kick from a good position before City wrapped it up on 79 minutes. Substitute Jake Jackson beat the offside trap and tucked away the chance to make it 3-1 and give his side another home tie with Dorking Wanderers in the next round.

Parkway can look back on how they refused to give up and more than held their own and can now return to the quest for the league and the FA Vase, where they next go to old rivals St Austell on October 13

Bitton duly took their bow from the FA Cup on Saturday at a saturated Taunton Town but can hold their heads up having given their all in what was a non-stop clash which always had goals writes Kerry Miller.

It was therefore an injustice that the Western Leaguers went away without troubling the scoreboard as they came to play and gave the Peacocks plenty of problems, even when the game was gone.

Bitton went into the game having won every game so far this campaign while Taunton had a formidable squad with all 17 men experienced enough to get into most Southern League sides but the Bristolians settled quickly and were soon battling in midfield with the ball spending some time in the air. The pint sized visiting front line were soon buzzing around while the defence had plenty to do with the experienced and prolific Matt Wright, Danny Sullivan and Rocky Neal all needing watching. Matt Buse missed the first chance for the home side before Ben Bament charged down a Lloyd Irish clearance and on another day the ball would have rebounded in instead of going away for a throw in. Neal hit one from distance which Dan Worton shovelled away before just getting a finger tip to a cross then Sullivan’s volley was goal bound until a fine block from the excellent Steve Jones. Bitton were giving as good as they got with Kane Ingram, Ibrahima Diallo, Ben Harris and Josh Egan all showing up well and they rode their luck either side of the half hour when Wright and Nuno Felix went close and when Ollie Chamberlain skied one from eight yards out the home support just began to get the jitters. They were soon calmed as on 32 minutes Wright set Sullivan free down the right and his wicked cross was bundled in from six yards by Neal.

Bitton responded well with Bament almost getting on the end of a through ball and Ingram battled well for Toby Osman to test Irish but it took a fluke four minutes from time to make a shock result unlikely. Former Torquay United striker Sullivan cut inside onto his left foot and his pass into the area was missed by at least four defenders and ended up in the net past an unsighted Worton.

Bitton refused to buckle and just before the break Egan had a drive deflected for a corner but it came to nothing.

Within four minutes of the restart it was 3-0 as man of the match Sullivan fed Shane White and his cross found Matt Buse three yards out to beat Worton. Sullivan then hit the post with a drive but Bitton were not done and Bament again escaped and went round Irish but Nuno Felix arrived from nowhere to clear off the line. Taunton were hungry for goals and Wright hit the opposite post with another drive having had a royal battle with Jones, who was forced off by a leg injury on the hour.

Worton kept out a Ben Adelsbury free-kick then Ben Harris hit a left footer which Irish kept out and Bitton continued to attack, determined to enjoy the day with Josh Nelmes blocking a Bament effort late on. Substitute Craig Veal went close twice but despite that, it was cruel on Bitton when Nelmes stooped to nod home the fourth five minutes from time.

So thoughts now turn to the league challenge and the FA Vase where the Tons go to Hellenic League Almondsbury in three week’s time.

Willand Rovers took their bow from the Devon St Lukes Bowl for this season when they went down 3-0 at home to a youthful and skillful Plymouth Argyle XI writes Kerry Miller.

Argyle’s squad were in the middle of a run of four matches in five days having won 5-1 in the Peninsula League on Tuesday at Launceston and before Friday’s home game with Saltash United and Saturday morning’s youth game with Swindon Town. It seemed not to be a problem as they and Rovers played some fast paced football which entertained the crowd of 81 as a mizzly Silver Street. Rovers only have themselves to blame for the defeat as they had chances in the first half with Ben Bickle side-footing wide then rad Ausden going on a determined run only to be denied by 18 year old Micheal Cooper in the Argyle goal who was faultless all night. Argyle responded with Mike Searle keeping out Rio Garside before Ausden was again through after a defensive mistake but Cooper again somehow saved from point blank range. Argyle took the lead on the half hour when Cameron Sangster’s fine cross was put away by teenager Alex Battle, who stood out all evening and it could have been two when Adam Randell’s curler hit the post. The visitors continued to dominate after that until Glenn Gould flashed a header just wide just before the break.

Searle kept his side in the game with a flying tip over from the impressive Battle and repeated the dose minutes later but the reprieve was short lived as lanky Greek striker Klaidi Lolos doubled the lead with a crisp finish just before the hour. The 17 year old made it three ten minutes later driving a shot under Searle to give his side a second round tie at Exmouth Town. Willand played their part with Ben Allen, Glen  Gould and Josh Searle showing up well and they now look to Saturday when they entertain Hengrove Athletic in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

Parkway continued their excellent work and cup and league with victory in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase at Western League Division 1 Radstock on Saturday.

Goals in the first ten minutes from Ryan Lane and Connor Macauley meant Parkway were rarely in danger but Radstock played their part and it was not all plain sailing.

Making good use of the squad, five changes were made from Tuesday's excellent FA Cup replay victory at Street and they got off to a perfect start when a neat exchange of passes saw Lane fire a shot which was pushed on to the post and over the line by home keeper Jack Scrivens.  Mike Smith then fired just over before Radstock’s top scorer Sam Gregory shot  wide. Rob Farkins headed narrowly over before Parkway  doubled their lead on ten minutes when Smith’s perfect cross allowed Macauley to head home unchallenged from six yards. Parkway continued to dominate with Ben Joyce, Tiegan Rosanquest and Christian Pople controlling the midfield and Macauley and Smith looking dangerous on the flanks. Radstock, playing on the break with the pacy Gregory and Ryan Pike linking well, won a couple of free-kicks and both caused the Parkway defence a few problems with Kyle Moore forced into a smart save at full stretch from a Gregory header from one of them. Radstock were competing well and a cross from the right on 22 minutes saw Farkins penalised for hand ball and Gregory slammed home the resultant penalty. Parkway however continued to dominate and Rosanquest shot over before a Farkins header from a right wing corner flashed just wide.

 An early chance in the second half saw an Adam Carter header cannon off the bar with Smith's follow up shot from the rebound being bravely blocked by a Radstock defender. The third goal was not long in coming as on 50 minutes a Carter knock on released Smith who raced clear and cleverly dinked his shot around the exposed Scrivens. On 52 minutes Joyce hit the post although Radstock did well near the hour mark with the impressive Gregory shooting just over. Further efforts from Carter and Joyce found Scrivens equal to both and Parkway continued to attack with Stewart Yetton and Carter going close near the end.

With Sunday’s historic FA Cup tie with Gloucester City firmly in mind it was a good, solid performance from Parkway against a spirited Radstock side. The games keep coming with National League South Torquay United, now under the guidance of experienced former Football League manager Gary Johnson, due at Bolitho Park on Wednesday in the first round of the Devon Bowl of which Parkway are the current holders before the trip up country on Sunday. Gloucester City play their home games at Evesham United at the moment and the kick-off is at 3pm. Following that, the draw for the first round proper of the Vase has given Parkway a juicy return to Poltair where SW Peninsula Premier side St Austell lay in wait to resume hostilities after just a few months apart. With thanks to Graham Lloyd.

Buckland Athletic crashed out of this year’s FA Vase in dramatic style on Saturday at Homers Heath as SW Peninsula League Premier Division outfit Newquay snatched the win with a penalty four minutes into injury time writes Kerry Miller.

It hastened the departure of player-manager Craig Duff immediately after the match as the club attempt to come to terms with what has been a desperately disappointing start to this campaign after last season’s gallantry. It was no more than Newquay deserved on the day and apart from being handed the win on a plate with a lunge on Jose Pezez which brought the late spot-kick the Bucks also played with ten men for the last 15 minutes as right back Liam Jones was shown a  straight red card for hacking down Jack Bray-Evans who had beaten him for pace and was getting clear.

With several of last term’s squad having moved on or dropped into the reserves, Duff’s squad was looking very different with Chris McPhee, Dan Griffiths and Gavin Hammon also out injured or unavailable and Lewis Tasker having returned to Street.

Duff and Les Afful linked well early on to bring a save out of Adam  Dover then James Richards found Adam Kelly wide but his cross evaded everybody. Duff then did well before laying the ball back for Richard Groves but he was denied by another fine save from Dover. On the half hour Duff side-footed over a chance in a good position and from there the home side began to lose their way and Newquay sensed all was not well and came into the game in a big way. Bray-Evans showed some skill before bringing a save out of Kenny Griffiths then Oliver Walker, who was also a stand out player for the Peppermints, missed from distance. They continued to dominate up to half-time with Walker taking advantage of a defensive mistake to feed Bray-Evans again but he shot straight at Grffiths and the chance was gone.

After the break Buckland seemed to have responded to a team talk as Kelly and Duff set up Groves but he ballooned a clear chance over then the busy Groves was wide again but after the initial burst the home side faded from the scene and Newquay got stronger and their noisy support did likewise as they all saw a giant-killing on the cards. Bray-Evans was just wide and on 20 minutes he was involved in a fast counter and tucked the ball under Griffiths but was denied by an offside flag. Duff dropped into midfield and introduced Ryan Bush up front but the player-manager let fly from 30 yards to bring a tremendous save out of Dover. With 15 minutes left Newquay were handed the keys to a place in the next round when debutant Jones hacked down Bray Evans when in full flight and was set off by referee Kevin Williams and with the possibility of extra-time looming Buckland were in trouble. Bray-Evans hit the bar with another free-kick then Josh Harris saw his rebound effort kept out by Griffiths but Buckland were still in the game somehow and Groves had a header saved at point blank range by the impressive Dover. Seconds later Groves’ curler hit the bar as the game went into injury time and with everyone settling in for an extra-half hour Pezez chased a hopeful ball going away from goal but was brought down in the box by a reckless challenge and the linesman’s flag was all that was needed as Bray-Evans tucked away the spot-kick with no fuss.

Sadly Duff parted company with the club after the game but Newquay were left to celebrate and look forward to a trip to Wessex League Bournemouth Poppies in the first round proper on October 13.

Plymouth Parkway made the football world sit up and take notice last night at a mizzly Tannery when they destroyed Southern League Street in their FA Cup 1st qualifying round replay and set up a mouth watering clash with National League South Gloucester City in the next round writes Kerry Miller.

A double from the prolific Adam Carter was the mainstay of the victory as Parkway outplayed the reigning Western League champions in front of a fine away following and posted their intentions to challenge for honours on several fronts this campaign.

Manager Lee Hobbs went with Carter and Stewart Yetton up front and with a lightening midfield and wide players seeing plenty of the ball the home defence could not cope with the pace of the play and a series of free-kicks just outside the box in both halves ultimately proved costly as they led to three goals and the dismissal of home skipper Ben Amghar for a second yellow card offence.

It could have been a different story had Craig Herrod’s cross shot not flashed across a gaping goal inside 15 seconds of the kick-off and Parkway keeper Kyle Moore made two instinctive saves soon after but the visitors were into top gear and with Mikey Williams, Ryan Lane and Mike Smith tormenting the defence free-kicks were never far away. On eight minutes Jordan Trott made the first one count as his shot beat the wall and was deflected in by Carter, wrongfooting home keeper Tom Punchard. The lead was doubled five minutes later when a stunning one touch passing move led to Ben Joyce feeding Smith who passed the ball into the far corner with the opposition floundering.

Street were always dangerous when they did get the ball but it was not often enough and on the half hour Steve Murray had a drive saved by Moore before Phil Ormrod’s effort was gathered at the near post. Referee Andy Sheppard lost patience just before the break booking both Lane and Carter before Street rallied briefly as Murray found Jamie Short but he was just kept out. Amghar joined the others in the book and Jordan Trott brought a fine save out of Punchard from another free-kick but Parkway were well worth their lead at the break.

Ryan Lane was causing all manner of grief with his direct running through the heart of the Street defence and again he was brought down inches outside the box by Ross McErlain who was cautioned but Punchard kept out Trott’s kick and the rebound from Smith to keep his side in the game. Home boss Steve Fey rang the changes on the hour introducing Harry Foster and Ed Butcher but his side were not creating chances and Parkway looked comfortable although Aaron Bentley and Smith went into the book as the tally grew. With Street ever more anxious and Butcher looking to unload his left foot whenever possible there was still a chance of a comeback but with 15 minutes left it was all over. Lane again tormented Amghar who brought him down once more inches from the penalty area and he was dismissed before Trott repeated the first half dose with a free-kick which was again deflected in with Trott this time claiming the goal. Seconds later Lane crossed another dead ball for the lurking Carter to smash home the fourth and Parkway could begin to plot their journey to Evesham United’s ground to take on the Tigers of Gloucester. Butcher rammed home a consolation with ten minutes left but Parkway managed the last moments with the mimimum of fuss and join Bitton in the second qualifying round as the last remaining Toolstation Western League clubs in the FA Cup.

Cadbury Heath went agonisingly close to picking up £6,000 and a trip to the coast to play Poole Town when they went down to a single goal in their FA Cup 1st qualifying round tie with Southern League Cinderford Town on Saturday writes Kerry Miller.

It was heartbreaking stuff for the Heathens who had by far the best of the first half and created four clear chances only to concede the winner to Matt MacDonald midway through the second half. It was a tense game but had none of the posturing histrionics and play acting which plagues the game at the moment and almost got off to an explosive start inside 20 seconds as Craig Norman got away down the right and his cross was scuffed by Richard Greaves. Lewis Bamford was looking  lively for Town but Cadbury Heath slowly got a toe hold in the game and on 15 minutes could have gone in front when a lightning break by the impressive George Boon and Harrison Kyte ended with Sacha Tong being denied from ten yards by Town keeper Alex Harris, who had a fine game.

Seconds later he somehow tipped over a power header from Andy Campbell after three corners had created pressure on the away goal and it almost counted as a poor back pass let in Boon but he was again denied by Harris’s third save in as many minutes.

Cinderford were busy and quick but the home defence coped well and Leon Maloney was immaculate in his tackling and distribution. Ross Moorhead then crossed for Kyte whose header was misdirected before on 38 minutes Tong’s header from a free-kick beat everybody but came back out from the foot of the post and the chance was gone. Right on the buzzer Lorcan Sheehan had a header hacked off the home line and after a melee it was cleared and they went on goalless.

There was drama at the break as referee Stacey Pearson had pulled a thigh muscle and referee’s development officer Roger Vaughan sprung into action while the restart was delayed by 15 minutes. At one point it appeared that George Fowler may have claimed a flag while experienced referee Mike Halford took over in the middle, George last having refereed in the Western League before the old King died, but luck was with everybody as Keynsham-based referee Ollie Taylor had just postponed his game at Southmead and was directed with haste to Springfield.

Playing downhill in the second half Cadbury Heath were looking to gain the upper hand again but Cinderford looked stronger and as the half wore on it seemed as though the home chance might have gone as chances dried up. Kyte was wide with one effort but on 66 minutes came the decisive move which ended with the ball ballooning up on the left and MacDonald finishing crisply. Horace Ormsby and Morgan Coles were introduced and the latter had a snap shot saved late on by Harris and from a Boon corner Campbell headed wide but it was not to be and Cadbury Heath now turn their attention to Saturday when they have a day out in the New Forest where they take on New Milton Town in the FA Vase.

Parkway and  Street, last season's Western League champions, will replay on Tuesday night in the 1st Round qualifying of the FA Cup after drawing 0-0 in front of a good sized crowd of 203 at Bolitho Park on Saturday writes Graham Lloyd.

Parkway made one change from Tuesday's victory at Bridgwater with Stewart Yetton in place of Adam Carter. Defences remained on top as both sides looked to gain control of the midfield areas and they were guilty of conceding possession too easily and playing too many long balls making defending relatively simple.

Shane Krac’s shot from 20 yards was pushed round the post by Tom Punchard then Mikey Williams set up Krac who ballooned his shot over from 15 yards. Krac received a yellow card on the half hour and from the free- kick 30 yards out the follow up shot was well blocked by Nick Milton. With the influential Craig Herrod starting to assert his authority in midfield, Street had a period in possession with Jamie Short looking dangerous down their right flank. Krac then shot over on 37 minutes but Street responded with Short firing way off target  the final action of the half, a curling effort just wide from Street's Steve Murray.

Ben Joyce, again pushing forward, shot just over on 57 minutes before Krac, who appeared to have taken a knock, was then replaced by Ryan Lane. While Parkway were still reorganising, Murray cut inside  and hit a powerful shot which was well saved by Kyle Moore's outstretched leg. Street's Ben Amghar then received a yellow card for a clumsy challenge and from Lane's accurate free-kick Aaron Bentley headed just wide. Just past the hour Matt Hurley had a shot well saved as Street began to apply pressure but the Parkway central defensive partnership of Rob Farkins and Milton continued to defend strongly and at the other end, Amghar and Ross McErlain did a similar job for Street. Parkway came on strong again and Bentley headed agonisingly over and Lane then delivered an excellent cross which fizzed across the six yard area without getting a touch.

Carter replaced Yetton, with Ed Butcher replacing Short who had just been yellow carded and ten minutes from time Carter’s goalbound shot was bravely blocked by Bennett.  Mike Smith almost won it on the counter attack for Parkway two minutes from time when clean through only for Punchard to narrow the angle and save his close range shot at the near post.

Monday’s draw gave the winners a trip to play National League South side Gloucester City, who play their home games at Evesham United FC.

The 68 mile journey to Bridport from Romsey is not exactly the equivalent of crossing the Sahara but the away side requested the already late 7.45pm kick-off be put back to 8pm to give them time to negotiate the route, which was just the start of Wednesday night’s travails writes Kerry Miller.

It was all the more frustrating for the 130 odd spectators when Romsey arrived at  St Marys at 6.30. With referee Richard Lawrence crying off through injury a late replacement was found in Nigel Whitfield but he soon found himself a man down as one of the appointed linesmen was nowhere to be seen and seemingly not contactable. A hastily found replacement arrived by which time the kick-off was further delayed to 8.15 by which time it had been established that the email from the Dorset  FA informing the linesman of his duties had not arrived. He did arrive just as the teams were tentatively edging out of the dressing rooms, no doubt knackered after a pre match session which went on longer than the game itself.

Once the chaos settled Bridport and Wessex League Division One Romsey provided an all-action FA Vase replay which, had it been delayed very much longer and gone into extra-time and penalties could easily have been the first game ever to start on one day and finish on another!

Having battled for two hours at the By-pass Ground on Saturday where the sides shared eight goals it was on the cards that a similar game would transpire at  St Marys and so it proved although with 15 minutes gone and the Bees already 2-0 up a rout then appeared imminent. Happily it did not come about as the Hampshire side refused to buckle and were still in it up to the last few seconds when Mark Salter’s third penalty of the tie settled it and gave his side a home date with Waminster Town on Saturday week.

Richard Hebditch settled the frazzled nerves on four minutes escaping to latch on to a fine pass and tuck the first under Charlie Philpott and after Andy Martin’s drive was saved for a corner it was not cleared and Braeden Symes smashed home the second ten minutes later. Hebditch again fired just over as Bridport went for the jugular and with Oscar Latas, Leighton Thomas and Salter all linking well the omens were good for a while. To their credit Romsey stayed with them and in diminutive winger James Clifton had a threat and his fine touch led to a crisp finish on the half hour to half the deficit. Clifton may be the last to know when it starts raining but his speed and ball skills caused the home defence plenty of problems. Craig Bryant nodded over from close range soon after for Town which they rued on 38 minutes when a long throw was nodded on by Salter and Hebditch guided his header into the corner to make it 3-1.

After the break Salter found room to square to the onrushing Thomas who missed contact by millimeters and Salter himself was kept out by a point blank save from Philpott. By then Romsey had introduced Josh Harvey and his short but eventful evening began with Jason Hutchings saving a drive and he putting a header over. A Romsey goal was coming and on 50 minutes Liam Magee made it 3-2 and it was game on once again. Just past the hour Bridport were awarded a penalty when Bryant sent Thomas crashing when about to score but after a lengthy chat the decision was changed while Salter waited patiently to tuck away the spot-kick as Thomas was eventually, and correctly given offside and so Romsey breathed again.

Bees substitute Ben Morris clattered the bar from distance but right on time Sam Clarke was fouled in the box by the unfortunate Harvey and Salter made it safe with almost the last kick.

Plymouth Parkway emphasised why they were pre season favourites for the Toolstation Western League Premier Division title with a late winner at a breathless Fairfax Park on Tuesday night in front of a 300 crowd. The win was made all the more impressive as they played most of the second half with ten men following defender Rob Farkins’ second yellow card offence writes Kerry Miller.

Dave Pearse’s side can only wonder how they came away with nothing as they played some stunning football before the break and more than matched the Devon side who man for man were a bigger unit but struggled to contain the Robins’ lively forward line. Bridgy went into the match on a high after demolishing Chipping Sodbury 8-0 on Saturday and Mike Duffy fired over from distance after Parkway skipper Shane Krac had done likewise at the other end. Burly Tom Ellis had a header saved before referee Rob Cockle lost patience with Farkins’ constant whingeing and cautioned him for dissent. Bridgy then put together a lightening fast break as Jack Taylor got away and crossed but Sam Towler’s flying volley was always going wide. Parkway almost took the lead moments later when Krac was in from wide but Jake Viney made a reaction save to close out what was an entertaining albeit goalless half.

With the tempo increasing Ellis’s huge throw ins were causing no end of trouble and from one Jake Llewellyn fired over but Parkway then seemingly shot themselves in the foot when Farkins clattered Harry Horton and was sent off just five minutes after the break. Manager Lee Hobbs sacrificed Ben Joyce in a reshuffle and the away team began to play better football with ten men. In truth they were helped by Bridgwater whose own intensity eased and with the visiting defence a good few inches taller than the home attack long early balls up front were meat and drink. Viney kept out Mikey Williams after he had shown some nice trickery then Llewellyn volleyed another long throw which was just cleared but once Hobbs replaced Adam Carter with Yetton the end result became all the more possible. Mike Smith lobbed over but three minutes from time Yetton went down under a clumsy challenge in the box and after some deliberation referee Cockle pointed to the spot and Yetton did the business.

It was far from over as Bridgy threw men forward, as they perhaps should have done half an hour earlier and Lee Begg’s cross was nodded over Kyle Moore and rolled agonisingly against the post and somehow was cleared with bodies scattered all over the six yard box. Dave Thorne tried one from 20 yards but by then Bridgy’s Gods of Fate had packed up and gone home and Parkway headed back down the M5 with three points as they prepare for Saturday’s massive FA Cup clash with Street at Bolitho Park.

A clinical hat-trick from in-form striker Ben Bament gave visiting Bitton a no thrills victory at Hardenhuish Park on Sunday in the 1st qualifying round of the FA Vase and a home tie with former Southern League Bishops Cleeve on Saturday week writes Kerry Miller.

There were few dramas for Bitton against a Chippenham Park side liberally sprinkled with 16 and 17 year olds although for a period either side of the break the home dominated and played some good passing football until Bament struck to slam home a loose ball on the hour to take the sting out of the comeback.

In stark contrast to the breathless FA Cup tie at Portland seven days earlier Sunday’s game rarely got going despite the gift of a fourth minute penalty when Dan Hynes was clumsily brought down in the box. Bament stroked home the spot kick with little fuss and almost made it two soon after but was just over and it wasn’t until midway through the half that the home side mustered their first real attack as Eddie Swain fed the excellent Enock Luc but he fired well over. Ibrahima Diallo, Mario Mateus and Scott Brice all had chances before the break but Park were hanging in there and were still in the game.

With Fred Porter and Tiger Harris introduced to the home attack Park enjoyed a good spell with Christian Koffi volleying over and a Caine Bradbury free-kick bouncing just wide then Bitton broke out and Bament was put through to net from 20 yards but was rightly denied by the offside flag. Home defender Luc caught the eye all afternoon and had another awkward cross cleared with difficulty then they should have levelled when Adam Bloomfield was one on one with Sam Burgess but he made himself big to keep out the shot and Koffi hammered the rebound out of the ground and it signalled the end of the brave comeback as Bament struck when Joe Mclennan’s cross was parried to him by Adam House on the hour. McLennan was beginning to enjoy his return to Harnish having had a spell at Chippenham Town a while ago and he escaped down the left flank before setting up Bament to claim his second hat-trick of the season so far and his 13th goal in seven matches. It was a taster for the goal of the game five minutes later as he cut back from an identical position to send a peach of a lob cross over a static House for the fourth. It was a little cruel on Chippenham Park who battled well and played some good stuff when they were allowed to but Bitton march on in Vase and Cup as they prepare for a juicy clash on Saturday against Westbury United which should attract a good crowd to the Rec.

Roman Glass St George’s trip to the tiny Hampshire town of Stockbridge passed without too much fanfare on Saturday with a 3-1 victory and a home tie with Wessex League Bemerton Heath Harlequins, from Salisbury, in the next round writes Kerry Miller.

With Stockbridge listed as one of the country’s smallest towns with a recent population given as less than 600, a tenth of them turned out to watch the Robins’ first ever match in any FA competition and the first FA Vase tie played by a Hampshire Premier League club. Roman Glass were without striker Ken Oni who is injured and Jake Cox and Jason Burt who were unavailable but were still expected to be too strong for Stockbridge who until a few years ago plied their trade in the Wessex League until the terrible winter of 2014 flooded the ground for two months and forced them to close down and pull out of the league.

Ryan Radford brought an early save out of teenage home keeper Pete Roberts then from the corner a scramble almost produced a goal but Stocks survived and almost profited when the ball was given away in midfield but Josh Graham fired over. The oppressive heat meant the game took an age to get going and with the home side giving their all and bridging the two division gap Roman Glass moved up a gear briefly with Radford firing over and Lewis Wentland bringing a fine save out of Roberts. Graham was having a good game for the home side and needed to be watched but a fine goal ten minutes before the break took the sting out of the home side as Wentland broke clear and cut in before curling a peach into the bottom cormer for the lead. Less than a minute later it was two as from a corner Nathan Legge was left alone and hooked home the second to all but seal the deal.

Many expected the floodgates to open but to their credit the home side regrouped after the break and showed they were not going to roll over and after Legge drove wide Graham went on another fine run and had a shot blocked with some difficulty just past the hour. His fine play was rewarded a minute later when he again escaped and his cross was neatly glanced home by Lewis Price-Lloyd. Roman Glass responded with Radford bringing a flying save out of Roberts but Stockbridge were right back in the game and with Roman Glass struggling to get out of third gear a few alarm bells were ringing, albeit muffled ones. Roberts again saved well from Wentland before at the other end Radford was almost in for the third but the game was eventually put to bed in the cruelest of fashions. Legge’s corner was curled to the near post and when a defender missed it the ball bounced in off an unsighted Roberts on the goal line.

Ultimately it was a job done for Roman Glass who will have a far sterner test on Saturday week and they have the chance to get into rhythm this Saturday wen they visit Willand Rovers in the league.

Plymouth Parkway eased past fellow Western League Premier side Brislington in the 1st round qualifying of the FA Vase to set up a visit to Radstock Town on Saturday week.writes Graham Lloyd.

For the first time this season they had a fully fit squad available and made two changes with Sam Hillson in for Aaron Bentley and Tiegan Rosanquest replacing Mike Smith. Parkway had the better of possession but their play lacked tempo with Brislington looking comfortable at the back and dogged in midfield. On 17 minutes a decent Parkway move finished with Stewart Yetton firing just over but sloppy Parkway ball retention in midfield allowed Brislington to break forward and only a fine recovering tackle in the penalty area by Nick Milton denied them a goalscoring chance. Play became very scrappy as Parkway continued to huff and puff  and the closest they came was a Christian Pople header on 26 minutes which flew just over. The deadlock was finally broken on the half hour when excellent work again by Pople to recover the ball wide on the left saw him feed Mikey Williams whose cross from the bye line found the predatory Yetton who tapped in unchallenged from close range. Parkway should have doubled their lead almost from the restart when another cross by Ryan Lane reached the unmarked Adam Carter who somehow blasted his effort wide when unchallenged. Just past the half hour Parkway conceded possession in midfield allowing Brislington to counter attack down the right with Louis Britton left in acres of space. He drove into the exposed defence and the unmarked Jimmy Woolland shot home from12 yards giving Kyle Moore no chance. The last action of the half saw Parkway central defender Rob Farkins storm forward  60 yards from the back and fire over from 20 yards. Parkway made early inroads in the second half with Carter glancing a header just wide and Rosanquest seeing his shot smothered by Humphries however it was Brislington who had the best chance to take the lead on 52 minutes when a break down their right saw the hard working Britton have a free run into the box only for Moore to narrow the angle and save. Shortly after Brislington had a reasonable shout for a penalty after Britton and Farkins, who had had a good battle all game, tussled just inside the box only for the referee to wave play on. Arguably the game changing moment came just before the hour when Parkway introduced Smith for Carter with the hard working Rosanquest being replaced by Shane Krac returning after a three match suspension. A long, diagonal ball found Smith wide on the right and his first touch saw him show superb control before a scruffy shot somehow trickled low into the corner. Smith then doubled his tally on the hour when fine work down the left by the increasingly influential Lane saw him play a neat one two with Williams with Lane's dangerous cross only being cleared to the alert Smith who stabbed home from six yards. Britton continued to battle hard up front for Brislington but received little support and Parkway, now dominating the game as Brislington visibly began to tire, went further ahead on 83 minutes. Yet another marauding run by Lane saw him slip a perfect pass to the overlapping Williams who cut in and slid his shot under the diving keeper. Parkway netted their fifth and final goal from the penalty spot on 86 minutes after Farkins and Smith completed his 29 minute hat-trick.

On Tuesday Parkway travel to current league leaders Bridgwater Town who won 8-0 at Chipping Sodbury and remain undefeated in the league then next Saturday they entertain Southern League Division 1 South Street in the 1st round qualifying of the FA Cup. These two games should give a good indication of how Parkway are currently progressing in the higher league.

Team Solent, who have found the FA Vase to their liking over recent seasons, crashed out of this year’s competition at the first time of asking as Longwell Green Sports achieved a narrow, but probably deserved victory at Test Park on Saturday writes John Gorman.

On a lovely sunny afternoon and on an immaculate playing surface the visitors made the brighter start and full back Ali Bamford, arriving late in the area, just failed to make sufficient contact with a right wing cross with the header wide of the near post. Solent’s Brandon Eaton was wide from distance before the visitor’s Luke Lecrass  shot was beaten away by home goalkeeper Ben Morella and Danny Carter and Lecrass had efforts blocked before Sports made the breakthrough after 26 minutes. Adam Young’s low cross was met first time by Carter, Morella could not hold the shot and Sam Forde turned the loose ball into the net. The lead however only lasted two minutes as Sylvano Obeng forced his way in to the area, went down under a challenge, and the hosts were awarded a penalty. Obeng picked himself up and sent the spot kick low past keeper Ryan Perry’s left hand. This stirred the home into life and after Obeng had seen two efforts saved Eaton found Luke Bennett on the edge of the area and some close control and a cool finish put Solent in front. Again the lead was short lived as with half-time looming a home defender allowed a through ball to go under his foot and Young swept the ball past the advancing Morella to ensure the scores were level at the break.

Two goals came in the last five minutes of the first half and another within two minutes of the restart as the visitors put themselves back in front. Lecrass made space down the right and his cross was met first time by Young and the shot left Morella clutching thin air. Solent’s attacks were too often foundering through a combination of Longwell’s defence and Demunga being all too frequently offside. Their best chance came when Perry could only beat away a shot from Eaton but a superb challenge by Lecress, who had a fine game throughout, saved the situation for his side before the whistle confirmed that it would be Longwell Green making the journey to Swanage in the next round.

A Stewart Yetton strike just before the hour mark gave Plymouth Parkway victory over higher league opponents Larkhall Athletic in the FA Cup and handed them a cheque for almost £3,000, (with thanks to Graham Lloyd)

A good crowd of 177, including a decent contingent from Larkhall, were treated to a full blooded game with little to choose between the sides. Parkway made two changes from their midweek victory over Wellington with Adam Carter replacing Teigan Rosanquest and Ryan Lane coming in at left back for Jordan Trott. On five minutes Parkway had a huge let off when a cross from the right was not dealt with allowing Harry Hope a free, close range shot only to see it superbly blocked by Nick Milton with Kyle Moore in the Parkway goal beaten. The game developed into a midfield battle with few chances and Ben Joyce and Christian Pople going toe to toe with the Larkhall duo of Ross Beazer and their impressive captain Matt Britton. Play swung from end to end but with defences generally on top and on 22 minutes the elusive Yetton worked some space but shot straight at the keeper. Parkway gradually began to look the more although Larkhall continued to threaten but their attacks were constantly repelled by the Parkway back four with the inspirational captain Rob Farkins and his central defensive partner Milton in outstanding form.

 On the half hour Mikey Williams broke clear on the left only to see his teasing cross flash across the six yard box and  Larkhall continued to show strength and tenacity in midfield but Parkway held firm and almost took the lead five minutes from the break when Williams was released by Yetton and, one on one with Semmens, curled his shot just wide.

Parkway started the second half the sharper and on 47 minutes a Williams free-kick 20 yards out  was tipped over at full stretch by Semmens. Another free-kick on 53 minutes saw a quality delivery from Lane nodded on to Aaron Bentley whose powerful header from six yards was superbly pushed behind by Semmens. The break through finally came on 59 minutes when a trademark penetrating run through the centre by Williams saw him set up Yetton who did well to control a bobbling ball, hold off Josh Jones and stab his shot wide of the diving Semmens. Larkhall bounced straight back with full back Alfie Clarke shooting just wide but on 80 minutes Adam Carter and Yetton linked well with the latter firing in a shot from around 18 yards with once again Semmens saving well. Semmens was in the action again shortly after this, racing from his goal to recklessly bring down Smith wide on the right and correctly earn a yellow card. Larkhall continued to throw players forward looking for an equaliser but the final chance fell to Smith in stoppage time with his shot being well saved by Semmens. A thoroughly entertaining game with two evenly matched sides going head to head all over the pitch with the one goal between them just about right. Parkway created the more clear cut chances with Semmens the busier of the keepers and their victory was based on a solid defence winning just about everything in the air, a hard working, fluent midfield and lively, mobile strikers. Parkway can now look forward to the draw for 1st Qualifying Round with games scheduled for Saturday 8 September and the action in national competitions continues next Saturday when fellow Western League side Brislington visit Bolitho Park in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase.

Shortwood United came  within a mistimed volley of causing a major upset on Tuesday night when going down 2-1 at home to early pace setters Westbury United at Meadowbank writes Kerry Miller.

It was so cruel on the young home side who had been clattered in their first three games in the new surroundings of the Western League  Premier Division and who played some superb football with the front three using blinding pace and width to cause the visitors no end of problems and it was they who were well pleased to hear the final whistle.

United were bolstered by the inclusion of former players Luke Barstow, Joey Tustain  and James Cole, who was described by one supporter as ‘possibly as old as the front three put together’ but they  marshalled  things for an hour with man of the match Barstow magnificent at the back. They had the task of keeping out the forward line which was hungry for a glut of goals which would have put them top of the table, above Bitton who were busy beating Roman Glass St George at the same time.

The leylandii trees alongside the ground have now grown high enough to block the view of Forest Green Rovers’ ground a few hundred yards away across the valley and what noise was coming from their epic 0-0 draw with Stevenage was lost in the autumn breeze as Shortwood showed the Division One champions they were not there as shooting targets. Despite that Westbury came out of the blocks quickly and inside four minutes were a goal up as Ricky Hulbert’s power got him away and his accurate cross was swept in by Jordan Pinder from eight yards. ‘Wood’s youngsters responded well and Marcus Beddington got clear before throwing in a wicked cross which was just cleared then quickfire Jamie Walker put over another inch perfect cross for Barstow to nod over from close range with Ed Baldy beaten in the Westbury goal.

Jamie Jordan and Callum Demkiv both went close to doubling the advantage then Hulbert brought a fine save out of Adam Thomas until Shortwood escaped briefly and showed what they could do with Joey Tustain driving wide after more quick passing from wide out. Having survived the initial onslaught and gained a foothold in the game the home side were dealt a body blow seven minutes from the break when Demkiv latched on to a stunning through ball and lobbed Thomas in style to make it 2-0 and possibly have one hand on the floodgates. They never opened and with Cole and Barstow’ experience and the youthful running up front the game began to change with Dan King seeing plenty of the ball the visitors were often stretched and from one such attack Steve Hulbert gave away a free-kick and home skipper Josh Beadle, son of Hereford boss Peter, curled a beauty past the static Baldy to halve the deficit to the delight of the home support, just short of half-time. It could easily have been 2-2 seconds later as Bennington and Walker created an overlap but Barstow couldn’t get his header on target and Westbury survived.

Predictably the visitors were  all over Shortwood at the resumption but the defence soaked up the pressure and Bennington again fed Walker but his fierce cross missed everyone including the impressive Dan King and went wide. Westbury were  playing some strong football of their own and Dan Kovacs moved inside to test Thomas who saved well for a corner then the same man nodded over from close range. With Westbury beginning to show signs of frustration Shortwood almost struck when a fine move from the back ended with substitute Jack Gardner volleying over when clear on the back post but that was as good as it got for ‘Wood who walked off to richly deserved applause.

Westbury are still joint top as  they prepare for the visit of Saltash United in the FA Cup on Saturday while Shortwood have a weekend off before they travel to Bradford Town on Saturday week..

Cheddar 2 Chard Town 3

Two goals from substitute James Boyland gave Chard Town a fine come from behind win on Saturday against a team which had won its first three games and beaten Bridgwater Town in the FA Cup writes Kerry Miller.

It brought a  thrilling climax to what had a been a superbly entertaining game in front of a good crowd, which included a healthy visiting contingent whose side climb to fourth in the Toolstation Western League Division One table. The Cheesemen were without leading scorer Adam Jones for the first Vegetarian Derby of the season but is seemed to matter little as within three minutes they were a goal up. Craig Mawford found room on the right and his cross was not cleared and Adam Wright was lurking on the edge of the area to finish well past keeper Scott Wells-Burr.  The tempo of the game was intense and very watchable and it was no surprise when the Robins equalised nine minutes later when a long throw from Andrew Holmes somehow reached Ryan Parris and then the net in a split second. Both sides were playing some excellent football on a green and flat surface at the Theatre of Cheese and Cheddar could have retaken the lead when a  long free-kick was volleyed over from close range by Sam King.

Just before the break Stephen Pennington had an effort blocked then from another free-kick Wright had a header saved before the teams went off with honours even from a fine first half. The equilibrium was almost ended with the first attack after the break as Wright brought a diving save out of Wells-Burr then the same man drove into the side netting with some of the home support at the clubhouse end prematurely celebrating a goal. Chard should have taken the lead soon after when a mix up from a goal kick presented Parris with the ball on the edge of the area but somehow home keeper Mike Dangerfield blocked the effort which could have been a turning point either way.

Cheddar were dominating possession with Chard relying on the occasional counter attack and they again went close when a mass raid ended with Danny Griffiths and King both having shots blocked by the overworked defence who watched as Wright skied the loose ball into the car park. On the hour King drove wide and a Ricky Bennett corner was nodded wide by King who was dangerous whenever venturing up field but by then Robins manager Jamie Manley had introduced Boyland and he was to change the whole outlook on the game. On 71 minutes Chard fashioned a move out wide on the left and Boyland cut in and his solo effort flew past Dangerfield and in off the post for a lead which was against the run of play but deserved by the visitors who were playing their part in a cracking game. It was almost level moments later when a Cheddar corner was almost nearly nodded  in for an own goal by Keiran Bailey before  it was somehow cleared off the line but the home side were not to be denied and with ten minutes left it was level. Pennington hooked the ball home from five yards out after good work from substitute Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi to set up a thrilling finish where both teams went for the win. It was the Robins who won the final battle as a free-kick was thrown in towards Boyland who controlled the ball before launching a dipping lob shot over Dangerfield and in the top corner for what was to prove the winner. It was a stunner for Cheddar who would have gone top with a win and they  almost snatched a point in injury time when Pennington had a drive saved by Wells-Burr who then somehow tipped over a close range header from the same man for what was a match winning save.

League leaders Bishops Lydeard visit Bowdens Park on Tuesday for what will be another exciting encounter as they gear up for the visit of Southern League Yate Town on Saturday in the FA Cup while Chard Town can enjoy their win for some time. Frustratingly for the squad their forced non-appearance in either the FA Cup or the FA Vase means that unless a league game can be rearranged they do  not play again until September 8 when they visit Radstock Town.

Premier Division Willand Rovers pocketed a very handy winner’s  cheque on Wednesday night and in doing so booked a home tie with newly promoted Southern League side Street on Saturday  week in the preliminary round of the FA Cup writes Kerry Miller.

The 3-0 scoreline looks comfortable enough but it was far from that as Shepton were right in the game until 20 minutes from time when a fine Luke Alden finish sealed the deal.

Shepton lined up without their impressive young keeper Tom Easterbrook who has gone to Nottingham University and striker Tyson Pollard who was on holiday, as was joint boss Jon Burr and they missed a battling performance which included debuts for Ryan Fry and Jammeh Malick.

Willand had the best of the opening half while Shepton played some excellent football without creating much in the way of chances and the home team went close early when Brad Ausden was put through and cut inside but his shot lacked power and was saved by new keeper Charlie Phillips. The visitors retaliated as Luke Ingram latched on to a long pass to lob over Mike Searle then Luke Mortimore and Ausden combined but Phillips was equal to the move with a flying save. There was no shortage of action as home full back Ryan Guppy had a shot saved then was deep in the defence to snuff out a promising situation twice in the same attack but the pressure was to tell and seven minutes from the break Josh Searle picked up a cross field pass and hit a sweet left footed drive past Phillips for the opener. The youngster almost set up the second just on the break with a whipped cross but Ausden could not connect from close range.

Shepton’s endeavour continued in the second half but with the bonus of chances created and Tom Hill scuffed his shot when in a good position and both substitute Ash Willmott and Joe Morgan went close. Willand were also looking good as befits a team at the top of the league and Jed Harper-Penman drove wide before Searle’s long drive cannoned back off the post into Phillips’ arms for a big let off.  Mortimore crushed Plymouth Parkway with a clinical hat-trick seven days earlier but he could not add to his tally on the hour after Brett Worbey put him through but it was not to prove costly. Worbey then threaded another pass to Alden and he drew Phiilips before slottin g home the second with 19 minutes left to all but kill off the tie which they had been seconds from losing in the original game.

Shepton skipper James Billing then could only watch as Searle somehow kept out his point blank effort and the visitors showed they were not beaten as towering substitute Dale Hunt twice went close to halving the deficit.  Just near the end Harper-Penman and Worbey almost exploited the space as the visitors pushed up in a vain bid for a goal but it did come right at the end when Harper-Penman slammed home the third from 18 yards to complete a good performance from Willand who look to be shaping up for a successful season.

Keynsham Town 1 Bodmin Town 3

Division One Keynsham Town gave themselves too high a mountain to climb at the Crown Field on Tuesday in their FA Cup extra-preliminary round replay with SW Peninsula League Bodmin Town midway through the first half,  conceding a goal and having Craig Wilson sent off and so it proved writes Kerry Miller.

It was a disappointing anti-climax after the remarkable exploits of the Saturday before when they came back from 4-2 down to force a long trek up country for Bodmin but the Cornish side now entertain K’s neighbours Cadbury Heath on Saturday week in the preliminary round.

Bodmin began well and in Ollie Brokenshire and Stuart Bowker have a burly strike force to more than replace the departed Adam Carter and the latter was soon pitched up against Scott Saunders for a battle which went on all night. Brokenshire and Ben Steer both tested home keeper Matt Dunk before after an end to end beginning Bodmin upped the pace and took the lead on 17 minutes. Brokenshire’s sharp drive was too hot for Dunk to hold and Ryan Oxley pounced to rifle the rebound into the roof of the net for the lead.  Matt Brown saw a lob from a good position held by the backpedalling Corey Harvey then Adey Harvey's drive was also held before Brown’s long cross was met by Wilson whose header was saved on 20 minutes. It was the striker’s last meaningful contribution for five minutes later he was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Halford after retaliating to a foul which brought the inevitable and now almost compulsory bench clearance which mercifully calmed down.

Sadly Keynsham’s chances of a juicy local derby in the next round went with Wilson’s departure and although to their credit they battled to the end the result was rarely in doubt.  Brown went close with an overhead kick but on 37 minutes the visitors doubled their lead when Jon McCreery beat the offside trap and cut in before curling a fine shot in off the far post. Adey  Harvey then found room to dance into the area only to be denied by a flying Corey Harvey before right on the break at the other end Steer brought a fine stop out of Dunk.

Soon after the resumption  a defensive error gave the impressive and experienced Kai Fisher the chance to make it three but Dunk parried his drive and then blocked Brokenshire’s rebound  to keep his side in with a faint chance of a comeback but the few chances created did not go in despite the non stop running of Brown and Nathan Curnock who could have had a couple himself. Lee Pitman went close before Curnock volleyed well over from a good position after driving just wide seconds earlier. The match occasionally simmered and gave referee Halford plenty to do and with a number of the crowd offering the visiting forward line advice as to where all the pasties had gone in Cornwall, there was always something going on.

Bodmin could afford then to introduce 42 year old substitute Danny O’Hagen who made his Football League debut for Plymouth Argyle 21 years ago butt was all academic with 20 minutes left when Steve Colwell’s skill gave him enough space to curl a gem over Dunk and in to make it 3-0 and close it out for good. Just on time Ks endeavours were rewarded when Kyle Box shot home via a healthy deflection but it was immaterial and the watching Cadbury Heath contingent were left to plan their route down the A30 on Saturday week.

For Keynsham they are left to contemplate the last three matches where they have conceded ten goals after the opening evening crushing of Bishop Sutton and will be looking to bounce back at home to Welton Rovers on Saturday

Wellington earned the chance of another crack at the £2,250 prize money and an away tie with either Hallen or Longwell Green  Sports with a battling 0-0 draw at a rainy Bridport on Saturday writes Kerry Miller.

It was no more than they deserved after a good defensive performance in the first half followed by a second half full of counter attack and midfield battling. Bridport played their part in a match which could give 0-0 draws a good name in constant rain which for once in this part of Dorset, was a blessing rather than a disaster. The Bees were without their new teenage prospect Jamie Cox who scored on his debut last week , and  keeper Darren Hutchings who was at a wedding and leading scorer Mark Salter, who was on holiday.

Wellington were forced to play without Joe Chamberlain and Jai Fisher who were both sent off last Saturday and suspended and the sides were in no mood to mess about as tackles flew in. Leighton Thomas was looking lively for the Bees and he fed Richard Hebditch who brought a save out of Josh McLean then Hebditch broke to set up Lee Sweet whose first effort was saved before he knocked over the rebound. Sam Bryant then provoked the first outburst of aggression with a late challenge on Kamaron Andrews and was booked along with Josh Wadham, who was one of at least seven Wellington players chasing referee Hobbs while screaming at him full in the face. A further half dozen bookings for dissent at that moment would have nipped everything in the bud but Wellington survived.

Wadham hit a free-kick from 20 yards which was deflected for a corner then from a quick counter attack his curling strike was only a yard wide from distance on the half hour. The visitors were playing their part in a very watchable game and Bridport survived a massive scramble as the last five minutes became frantic. Thomas’s fine work enabled Dan Peach to test McLean before Bryant shot at Smith with the last play of the half.

From the restart Conor Bryant won a battle to set up Wadham who brought another save out of James Smith  but Wellington were giving as good as they were getting and after Oscar Latas had a 25 yarder saved for Bridport Sweet’s drive was equalled by McLean’s flying stop. Wellington’s counter strikes were looking increasingly potent and when Jack Bryant and Wadham found themselves two on two with the home defence, Chris McGrath did just enough to allow Smith to save for a corner and what could have been a turning point.  Sweet then somehow got his frame in the way of Tom Hawkings’ shot and with Welly going for the win Jack Bryant volleyed inches over.

Bridport at times in the second half were looking second best  but in their best move of the match McGrath won a challenge before Hebditch found Dan Peach who set up Thomas whose snap shot was held by McLean. With what was the last play of the match Thomas’s shot was parried out by McLean but it was cleared and the teams must do it all again on Wednesday night in the replay which will be at Cullompton Rangers FC as Wellington’s ground is unavailable until next month due to cricket.

Willand Rovers 4 Plymouth Parkway 0

WILLAND Rovers went to the top of the fledgling Toolstation Western League Premier Division table on Wednesday evening with a stunning and comprehensive victory over visiting Plymouth Parkway at Silver Street writes Kerry Miller.

A clinical hat-trick from Luke Mortimore  and a close range header from new boy Ben Bickle dismantled Parkway who had no answer to the pace and finishing of Mortimore and the speed of passing on what was a pitch which looked poor but played well. Almost 200 gathered on what was a night which started dry but got wetter and they watched Parkway, many people’s favourites to go right through to Southern League football next season, got off to a fine start pinning Willand in their own half for the first ten minutes. The potent strike force of Stuart Yetton and Adam Carter were a real handful early on and when the home defence gave the ball away in midfield Carter ‘s fierce drive was parried by Mike Searle to Mike Williams but he could not guide his free header with enough accuracy and the chance was gone.

It proved costly as Willand began to claw their way into the game and Bickle set up Mortimore who was denied close up by a defender and from the corner Adam Hill nodded wide. It was a wake up call which Parkway did not heed for on 19 minutes they gave the ball away in midfield in identical fashion but Rovers took full advantage as Brett Worbey fed Mortimore who drove under Kyle Moore to give his side the lead slightly against the run  of play. He was then given the freedom of Silver Street minutes later and weaved inside before shooting wide just as the first of a series of fierce showers made its presence felt. The pendulum had swung completely and Mortimore again raided as a ball over the top caused problems and having won the tackle he curled a shot around Moore and into the same corner to double the lead and stun Parkway. It was almost a half hour hat-trick moments later as he was put through and lobbed home but an offside flag put paid to the celebrations.

Parkway themselves regrouped and Yetton had a firm header saved then Ryan Lane showed superb speed and no little skill in sending over a cross which Mike Smith chipped just over. They were creating chances but took none and when the second half began a come back was not being written off by anybody. Around the hour mark the venue of the points became clear but they could easily have gone elsewhere if the fates had decided it. Yetton shot over from 18 yards before Worbey struck a free-kick which Moore tipped onto a post and Parkway somehow escaped and seconds later instead of 3-0 it could so easily have been 2-1 as Yetton hit the post with a header. Willand cleared a corner of the line before Smith blazed over and in truth that was where the visitor’s chances of a share of the spoils disappeared.

Rovers and the home fans then believed a win was on the cards and with Mortimore’s pace causing them no end of grief he was one of a counter attack which Parkway could not cope with and Worbey’s chip found Bickle who nodded home the third with some style.  Three minutes later it was 4-0 as Mortimore ran half the length of the pitch before drawing Moore and steering home the hat-trick goal.

Substitute Christian Pople was just over with a drive late on but with four goals in the bank Willand managed the game and sit proudly at the top having comprehensively come out of the Devon derbies the victors. They now go to Shepton Mallet on Saturday in the FA Cup while Parkway have a trip to Bristol in the same competition to take on Hengrove Athletic.

A goal in  each half from Jake Llewellyn gave Bridgwater all three points from their opening Premier Division  game at Fairfax Park on Tuesday night which ended in pure farce with them completing  the game with ten men writes Kerry Miller.

Substitute Ian Bellinger possibly made history right at the death as he was sent off seconds after coming on to replace Jack Taylor, who himself was replaced after a confrontation which saw him and Buckland’s Jamie Richards booked when the opposition were screaming for a red card. Bellinger walked onto the  pitch and appeared to deliberately walk into Richards provoking yet another skirmish as he was dismissed before the game had even restarted.

In truth both sides should look closely at their behaviour as the constant screaming for fouls and racing to the referee demanding sanctions has no place in football and should be stamped on before every game becomes chaotic.

The home pitch was hard and uneven but perfectly playable after much grafting from the ground staff and with Buckland never really getting out of second gear it didn’t take very long for the teams to decide they weren’t over keen on each other. Buckland’s match set up was thrown out of kilter after less than 20 minutes when Danny Griffiths limped off and other than a couple of long throws into the box from the Robins very little happened until Dave Thorne escaped down the right and his wicked low cross was missed by everyone. On the half hour they took the lead when player-boss Dave Pearse and Taylor linked and his fine cross found Llewellyn on the far post and he nodded home with keeper Dom Aplin, signed on dual forms as cover from Newton Abbot Spurs, helpless.

By then tackles were flying in and with accusations of errant  elbows from both sides referee Richard Lawrence lost patience as too many free-kicks and too much testosterone threatened to dominate the game. Buckland player-boss Craig Duff set up Richard Groves who drove wide, their first shot in the game, before Duff escaped and brought a save out of Jake Viney just on the break.

What had been a largely uneventful first half came to live with a vengeance from the restart as Les Afful drove over before the Robins went two up and all but wrapped up the game on 55 minutes. Taylor had lobbed wide seconds earlier but from a corner Buckland did not clear their lines and Llewelyn smashed it home from 20 yards out. Duff became the second player in the book after Taylor earlier and he was joined by Groves and with the visiting defence all at sea Taylor was gifted  the ball but could only lob it into Aplin’s arms. The keeper kept out a Lee Bugg drive late on then Llewelyn set up Sam Towler who volleyed just wide which set up the bizarre ending.

Taylor and Richards clashed in the area, the latest in several confrontations, with Taylor accused of a head butt and he was immediately substituted for Bellinger who trotted on to pitch straight into Richards, with yet another skirmish opening up as he was shown a straight red, no more than 15 seconds after coming on and without the match restarting.

Buckland have some questions needing answers as they have started the season with three straight competitive defeats going into Saturday’s game while Bridgy can be delighted with the win but less so with their lack of self-discipline.

A Ken Oni goal inside the opening 30 seconds set Roman Glass St George on the way to their first ever three points in the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League at a scorching Moor Lane on Saturday, writes Kerry Miller.

With the oppressive heat and hard surface fast flowing football was at a premium but with their very first attack Oni found room to move forward and his drive evaded Liam McFarlane and may have taken a slight deflection on its way in. Hallen’s squad for this campaign under Ray Johnson includes a handful of former Clevedon Town men including the vastly experienced Clayton Fortune, Kevin Camargo  and Alex Russell and Camargo was involved when Tom Bradley and Dan Hunt’s good work forced a corner then George Binding and Bradley combined but the cross was cut out by Josh Dempsey. Hallen were beginning to come to terms with the conditions and Kyle Thomas’s shot was deflected and the corner routine ended with Thomas’s cross shot being headed off the line.

Rhys Hodgson  skied an effort when the ball bobbled 20 minutes in for Roman Glass then his lobbed cross landed on the net after another penetrating counter attack and from the best move of the half Ibrahim Sarr and Hodgson set up a diving header from Lewis Wentland which went high. Hallen could have levelled just past the half hour when a mass attack involving Daryl Charman, Hunt and Binding saw all three go close in a melee but their good work was undone when the ball was given away in midfield and Joe Swift was given too much room and tucked his shot past McFarlane to make it 2-0 with ten minutes left of the half. Just on the break Oni latched on to a long ball out of the half and was only kept out by a superb tackle by Matt Davis.

Predictably as the heat and the early season leg weariness took its toll the second half never really got going although Oni was just wide from a  corner  then Hodgson also went close from 12 yards. Hallen’s attacks were sporadic also and Charman shot over before following a good move Hunt shot from close range and Dempsey appeared to get a touch on it to push it onto the bar and away.

Alex Russell made a belated appearance after his exploits in helping England to win their third consecutive Veterans World Cup in Thailand but the points were gone and Hallen must regroup for Tuesday’s home game with Cribbs while Roman Glass prepare to entertain Cadbury Heath on Wednesday. Referee Andrew Perry had an unfussy game with few  problems but Andy Gurney’s side went home the happier.

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The new Toolstation Western League season got off to a flying start on Friday night when Keynsham Town’s opening  match against neighbours and friends Bishop Sutton attracted a crowd of 265, which Groundhop apart will take some beating writes Kerry Miller.

The home side are fresh off the back of going so close last May while Bishop Sutton stabilised last campaign after a rocky spell and hope  to be ready to push on in Division One.

The Ks had defender Rhymel Henderson making his debut after signing from Hallen while Sutton fielded a similar looking side to last season with all four of the Keen family in the squad.

Unsurprisingly the opening ten minutes or so were scrappy with a Harry Keen drive held comfortably by home keeper Matt Dunk then Craig Wilson and Matt Long both had efforts go wide for Town.  Striker Matt Brown set up Scott Saunders whose shot was deflected wide for a corner  and Sutton put together a fine move which ended with Sam Downes being blocked by Long for another  corner.

Downes went closest for the visitors around the half hour when his dipping 30 yarder hit the bar but Town were beginning to string some moves together after a patchy start and a goal looked likely when Brown was denied by a fine save from Will Justin before he set up Harley Purnell who was also kept out by the keeper.  The goal eventually came five minutes from the break when Purnell’s corner reached both Wilson and Henderson who appeared to be welded together at the hips and the ball ended up in the net with Wilson claiming it. He almost made it two with the last kick of the half but his bullet strike crashed down off the bar and away.

At the break Sutton replaced Harry Keen with Ben Snell but within a minute Town missed another chance when Brown was again through but once more Justin was equal to it. He was not to be denied as just before the hour Purnell put him in and although Justin saved the first effort Brown rolled in the rebound to make it two. In much the same vein as last season’s game between the sides, also on a Friday, Sutton played well but got nothing which was illustrated when Jack Keen’s shot from distance was kept out by a diving Dunk moments before it was 3-0. An identical corner was whipped in by Purnell for both Wilson and Henderson to again attack it together and once again it flew in with nobody in the crowd sure who scored and Wilson once more claiming it. With the points secure Keynsham relaxed and despite Scott Hatcher bringing a fine save out of Dunk, Wilson was unstoppable and his superb work set up Adey Harvey to side foot the fourth with 15 minutes left. Bishop Sutton did not deserve to ship five goals as they did a year ago but they did, despite Justin keeping out Harvey and substitute Kyle Box with a double save. Nathan Curnock completed the nap hand just on the whistle with a crisp angled drive.

Referee Graham Pearce and his colleagues all had fine games to get their season up and running and Keynsham now look forward to entertaining Cheddar on Tuesday who will arrive delighted with their stunning 4-0 opening day win at Devizes Town while Bishop Sutton go to Portishead Town.

Western Premier side Buckland Athletic made the long journey north to North East Counties League Penistone Church FC to play the Charity Cup match between the two sides representing the sponsors Toolstation yesterday but returned empty handed after a goal five minutes before the break separated the sides writes Kerry Miller.

It was the first competitive match for new player-manager Craig Duff and his team who travelled north early on the day and they were greeted by a blustery day and cool temperatures, in stark contrast to the broiling heat of the last couple months.

Buckland are in transition having lost Lloyd Gardner and Jare Lewington to Truro City  while Penistone, situated a few miles west of Barnsley in south Yorkshire were nominated for the game having finished seventh last year. Adam Seedhouse took over the keeper’s gloves having travelled across the Pennines from his base at Manchester University and was the club’s man of the match for a string of fine saves, especially in the first half when the home side had the best of the conditions.

Penistone began well with nippy striker Nathan Keightley  and James Young setting up Connor Glavin, but the son of former Football League striker Ronnie Glavin headed over. The deceptively strong wind and hard and parched surface was doing nobody any favours and Buckland struggled to get any momentum going after the long journey and having had a number of friendlies called off. Seedhouse saved well from Sam Scrivens before Buckland’s first real sortie when Lewis Tasker, a new signing from Street, slung in a low curling cross which evaded everybody including the onrushing Les Afful. Seedhouse again denied Scrivens from point blank range and did even better from Andy Ring as Buckland’s goal led a charmed life but a score  was always coming and from a curling corner Ash Ellis nodded home from six yards to give Penistone the lead.

Half-time saw the predicted hailstorm arrive at the Memorial Ground and with the 181 strong crowd scuttling for cover Buckland began to get into the game and Afful’s right foot shot flew just wide. The same man was almost in on the hour only for James  Young to deny him with a last ditch tackle and with half an hour to go both sides were showing signs of fatigue.  The game opened up and Liam Head’s effort was cleared off the line and with Penistone havin g used all five subs and Tom Bren nan  going off injured they were down to ten men for the last 20 minutes but Buckland were creating few chances and ultimately the cup stayed in Yorkshire although the nominated charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance gained to the tune of £700.

Adam Seedhouse,  Toby Down, Liam Head, Dan Harrison, Lewis Tasker, James Richards, Nick Rudge, James Moxon, Les Afful, Ryan Bush, Danny  Griffiths, Subs , Craig Duff, Charlie Johansen, Josh Webber, Matt Roberts.

Sodbury took an impressive scalp on Saturday as they came from behind to beat Wessex League Premier Division Fareham Town at a baking hot Ridings on Saturday afternoon writes Kerry Miller.

The game came about with the clubs having brothers in both camps and the Hampshire squad arrived to find the pitch in superb condition despite the continued drought and the home side were soon busy with Joe White and George Box showing up well in the attack. Liam Vaulters had a drive deflected then Theo Coombs set up White who volleyed wide when well placed before Fareham clicked and Ash Tattersall was wide after latching on to a long ball. Experienced Callum Laycock then thought he had given his side the lead but it was disallowed for a push and as the action went to the other end Sam Jenkins went close . Craig Hardy nodded over for Fareham and a Laycock drive went close then the Sods were close to the lead again soon after as White set up Liam Pullen but his effort was pushed over by Del Harding. The visitors should have taken the lead around the half hour when they launched a three on one attack but Lamin Manneh missed although it didn’t seem to matter as just on the break Laycock knocked in a corner from close range to give Fareham the lead.

After the break Tom Fry was wide from close range but a long drinks break only 15 minutes in disrupted the flow for a while and there were few chances until  Box and White combined and the latter netted to make it 1-1. Fareham were stunned and six minutes later a through ball found Box on the left and he guided his effort over Harding for what proved to be the winner.

Yusapha Badjie watched his drive tipped over the bar by Sam Burgess but the home team were comfortable and move on to games against Yate Town and Rockleaze Rovers before the big kick-off on August 4 at home to Bridport.

Late goals from substitutes Ricky Pitter and Charlie Skilton gave Axminster Town victgory over near neighbours Chard Town at Tiger Way on Friday night in front of a very impressive attendance for a pre season match in early July writes Kerry Miller.

It was a touch harsh on Jamie Manley’s new look squad who played some fast one touch football in the first half and only faded late in the game after a number of substitutions had broken up the play.

Former Westland Sports’ winger Tom Salter was busy early on and was almost in on goal inside 30 seconds then he shot wide after good work from James Boyland. New man Callum Williams then brought a save out of Ash Smith in the home goal as the Robins impressed before the home side’s first chance when Aaron Daniels was just crowded out for a corner. Nathan Antat then almost caught Chard napping from a corner but they were let off when his shot hit the side netting.

Just on the half hour Tony Pinder nodded a long cross over before at the other end Ryan Mason was wide and Matt Howell released Boyland but Smith was equal to it and saved well with his legs.

After the break both sides made changes and with a couple of players using the same shirt for some reason it was not easy to follow the action at times but Axminster boss John Hurford lobbed over and Salter was also too high with an effort for Chard. Ben Haines then went very close as his shot was sliced over his own bar by a defender and Axminster capitalised on the good fortune as with 15 minutes left Hurford’s cross was too much for the defence and former Sidmouth Town striker Pitter tucked in the first goal. Axminster clinched the victory in the dying seconds when Hurford’s shot was parried by Alex Cunnold only for Skilton to nod it over several defenders and in to the far corner.

Chard can take heart from this game as they played some quick paced football and now look to go to Dorset Premier side Gillingham Town on Thursday at 7pm for their next work out before a first team game with Somerset County side Somerton Town on July 24.

Less than 24 hours after England fell at the second last fence, Wells and Bridgwater linked up to continue their  pre season games at the Athletic Ground writes Kerry Miller.

With some matches falling foul of crumbling pitches there were no such problems at Wells where the surface was fine, if slightly scorched although a mid match rain shower was well received by players and groundsmen alike.

Wells fielded a much changed squad from last season while Bridgwater were more or less the same with the inclusion of Tom Ellis and Ian Bellinger from Wellington and Alex Twiggs from Portishead Town and Bellinger was busy early on setting up Harry Horton to volley wide. Home skipper Mark Randall then hit a lob cross which went just over before at the other end Horton hit the bar with a dipping shot after a fine run from Charlie White.

A fine move just outside the penalty area midway through the first half led to the opening goal as Mark Armstrong bent his shot past Tom Creed in the home goal just as the rain shower came in to refresh all and sundry. On the half hour Jack Taylor caused havoc with a cross which was somehow sliced away for a corner then Jake Llewellyn was given too much room on the left and his 20 yarder was saved comfortably by Creed.  Against the run  of play and with the final touch of the half Jack Spence came up from the back and hammered in a header from Randall’s corner to level at 1-1.

To the credit of both sets of management the game flowed without dozens of substitutions and soon after the break Jack Jenkins was given the chance to restore the lead from a free-kick just outside the area and he didn’t waste it, planting it firmly past Creed. Both squads were then tweaked including Robins boss Dave Pearse who gave himself a half hour run out and he went close with a header which hit the side netting before a good spell from Wells. Harry Davidson found room to cross for Tony Hobbs whose header was blocked then James Russell’s good work came to nothing when he drove over but it was a good work out played in a perfect spirit and the clubs are one step nearer the big kick-off on August 4.