Local rivals drawn together in FA Cup
Bitton’s frantic start to the season continued on Saturday, after they overturned a twogoal deficit to beat Bridgwater 3-2 at Fairfax Park to reach the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The home side looked to be in the ascendancy after 20 minutes when goals from Tom Ellis and Mike Duffy put them two goals to the good. Bitton gave themselves hope at the beginning of the second half when Liam Bishop smashed the ball home, and they were soon back on level terms when Joe Mclennan produced a fine curling effort from outside the box less than two minutes later.
The game’s deciding goal came with just over 20 minutes left on the clock, when Ashley Kington’s pinpoint free kick found the back of the net to help Bitton complete the unlikely turnaround.
They now face a trip to local rivals Larkhall Athletic on Wednesday in the first qualifying round after the Southern League side began their season with a 4-0 win over Newton Abbot Spurs. Lewis Powell added one to his first half brace to claim a hat-trick before Dan Demkiv polished off a great opening for the Larks.
Corsham Town were knocked out of the competition after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Southern League side Winchester Town.
■ WESTERN LEAGUE Bradford Town and Odd Down played out a 2-2 draw last Wednesday. Lee Davidson headed home from a corner midway through the first half to put the Bobcats in front, before Shea Manning struck to make it 1-1 as the game headed for half-time. Josh Clark then added to his goal on Saturday to make it 2-1 to the Down, only for Bradford to hit back and grab a point thanks to Jake Brown’s 75th minute effort.
On Saturday, Odd Down were edged out 1-0 at Westbury United before then being beaten 4-1 by Street on Tuesday night.
Keynsham Town suffered a 2-1 loss at Buckland Athletic. Ryan Bush struck a lovely volley in first half stoppage time to break the deadlock, before doubling the hosts’ advantage in the opening five minutes of the second half. Keynsham hit back through Craig Wilson to set up an entertaining second half, and just when it looked like Bush would cap the victory with a hat-trick, he saw his 78th minute penalty saved.
In a game delayed due to travel issues, Bradford and Wellington both remained winless in the league after a 1-1 draw at Trowbridge Road.
The hosts started well, and after hitting the crossbar inside the opening minute, they went ahead a couple of moments later when Luke Burman’s cross ricocheted into the back of the visitors’ net off a Tangerine defender.
Wellington responded well however, and after earning a corner, Bobcat keeper Marko Radovanovic was pressurised into making a mistake and ended up seeing the ball inadvertently end up in his own net to make it one apiece.
On Tuesday, Bitton thrashed Hallen 5-1 in their first game of the league. Mitch Tippins gave Bitton a first-half lead before half-time substitute Matthew Tanner doubled the advantage. Tanner grabbed a brace with a shot from the edge of the box which took a slight deflection into the bottom corner and Ashley Kington netted his second free-kick in two games to make it 4-0.
Tanner was denied his hat-trick by the Hallen keeper but he couldn’t keep out the rebound from Barnes to get a goal on his debut. Hallen pulled a goal back late on but it’s a good signal of intent from Bitton and their title hopes.
Two goals inside the first ten minutes for Craig Wilson helped Keynsham on their way to a 3-1 win against Cadbury Heath. Jordan Metters grabbed the third nine minutes before half-time to earn the K’s their first win of the season. ■ WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Corsham Town Reserves got their campaign underway with a 4-2 defeat at Wroughton. Adam Shipman and substitute Ryan Withers managed to get themselves on the scoresheet.
A 70th minute goal from substitute James Noad wasn’t enough to prevent Odd Down Reserves going down to a 2-1 defeat against Pewsey Vale on Tuesday. That came after Jacob Bird scored the winner at the exact same time against Melksham Town Reserves on Thursday. Brad Evans was sent off in that game after collecting two yellow cards.
■ SOMERSET LEAGUE Keynsham Town Reserves got their Premier Division campaign underway with a 3-1 win over Stockwood Green. Substitute Patrick Davison netted a brace alongside a goal from Luke Banfield. Ryan Madge scored for Fry Club in their 1-1 draw with Clutton.
The local derby in Division One saw Saltford beat Timsbury Athletic 2-1. David Pollinger netted two minutes before the hour for Saltford with Josh Arberry adding the second on 75 minutes, Ellis Hancock scored for Timsbury.
Goals from Lewis Cross, Daniel Reynolds and Toby Wheatley saw Peasedown Miners Welfare to a 3-3 draw against Radstock Town Reserves in Division Two. Fry Club Reserves suffered a 6-2 mauling at Chew Magna, James Phillips and Nathan Tilley scored the consolation goals.
Tom Young was on the scoresheet for Tunley Athletic but they were beaten 2-1 by Cutters Friday in Division Three.