Ex-player’s winning start as the new boss
Larkhall Athletic have booked their place in the third round of the FA Trophy after edging past Wimborne Town 2-1 on Saturday.
It was the first game in charge for former Larks player Ollie Price who has taken over the helm following the departure of Phil Bater. Price, who previously managed Mangotsfield United, will be assisted by Tom Warren, Rob York and Chelsie Hextall and they got off to a winning start.
The new-look squad took to the tricky Dorset pitch for what was a rather scrappy first half in the prevailing conditions. Larkhall did start strongly though as Dan Demkiv, Aysa Corrick and Mike Baker all tested goalkeeper Alex Cull. At the other end, Shaun Semmens had to save at full length to deny Harry Morgan as it remained goalless at the break.
The intensity rose in the second half and despite Wimborne having the wind in their favour, Larkhall remained composed and wellorganised as Baker had another couple of chances. Winger Alex Lambert was causing problems with his pace and skill, while Corrick did well to hold the ball up.
The deadlock was finally broken by Matt Britton who reacted quickly to head a Lambert cross past Cull. Lambert then fired Larkhall into a 2-0 need almost instantly after firing home from Corrick’s pass.
Larkhall took their foot off the gas slightly and, despite now being a man down, Wimborne kept battling. They managed to pull a goal back through Joe Freak, but it was too little too late and Larkhall booked their progress to host fellow Southern League side AFC Totton in the third round on December 18.
Victory in the Trophy came after Larkhall drew 3-3 at home to Evesham United last Wednesday. Alfie Clarke gave the Larks a half-time lead before Callum Ebanks and Michael Symons turned the game on its head by the 62nd minute. Joseph Hillard equalised on 75 minutes, but Wimborne were back in front a minute later through Ebanks.
However, Larkhall weren’t to be denied and Lewis Powell earned a draw in the 78th minute with a third goal in three minutes to seal a point for both sides.
Tracey Hill
■ WESTERN LEAGUE Bitton remain locked into second spot after they eased to a 7-0 thumping of Bridport. It was only in the final quarter when the floodgates truly opened, and Bridport had enjoyed a strong first half showing before conceding goals to Matt Groves and Dean Griffiths just before the interval.
There were further goals from Joe Mclennan, Josh Egan and Jordan Williams for the rampant hosts, with Griffiths and Egan then adding the finish touches as the game headed towards the final few minutes.
Doug Camilo’s well-executed looping header saw Wellington secure an impressive 1-0 victory away at Keynsham Town while, in Division One, third-placed Cheddar ended their mini blip, producing a strong first half showing on their way to a 2-0 victory over Odd Down at the Theatre of Cheese.
Three consecutive home games without a win had seen Cheddar drop off the pace somewhat, but those struggles were put to bed on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Kris Bell and Nathaniel Green helping them capture all three points on what was a tempestuous game which saw both teams end it with ten men.
Odd Down were then beaten 4-2 at home to Radstock Town on Tuesday. Luke Bryan scored both of Down’s goals.
■ HELLENIC LEAGUE
Three goals in the first half saw Corsham Town to victory at home to Royal Wootton Bassett Town in atrocious conditions to remain fifth in the table. Gary Higdon tapped home the opener as Matt Swan’s brilliant ball was headed down by Ryan Bath.
A great free-kick from Chris Allen made it 2-0 inside 25 minutes before Higdon claimed his second and Corsham’s third after an assist from goalkeeper Rob Brown. As Corsham kept Bassett at bay, their task was further hampered when Alan Griffin was sent off to leave the visitors ending the game with ten men.
Bradford Town remain a point behind Corsham, but with a game in hand, after they secured a third consecutive win. Hosting Roman Glass St George, Rob Hobbs opened the scoring with a sublime lob on halfway over the goalkeeper. Jake Brown then gave the Bobcats a 2-0 lead to take into the break after being played through over the top.
Glass’ Kristian Miller was sinbinned before receiving a second yellow card 12 minutes from time to see the visitors down to ten men and George Box took full advantage to make it 3-0 on 84 minutes. Neikell Plummer scored a consolation for Glass in the final minute, but the points belonged to Bradford.
■ SOMERSET LEAGUE
Goals from Sam Hill and Oliver Moran saw Keynsham Town Reserves to a 2-0 win at Stockwood Green in the Premier Division. They moved to within a point of Fry Club in tenth after they were beaten 1-0 at home to secondplaced Mendip Broadwalk after conceding right on half-time.
Timsbury Athletic are now four points off the top in Division One following successive draws. This time they travelled to fourth-place Somerton Town and played out a 1-1 draw. A double from substitute Aaron Messenger helped Saltford to a point in a 2-2 draw with Yatton & Cleeve United to move five points clear of the bottom two with games in hand.
Peasedown Miners Welfare missed the chance to go top of Division Two after also drawing. Lee Gould and Zak Payne rescued a point at Long Ashton as they sit a point off the top two.
In a tight battle in Division Three, Fry Club Reserves moved to within two points of second place Combe St Nicholas in fifth although having played five games more - after they beat second bottom Staplegrove Reserves 4-2. James Phillips notched a hat-trick alongside a goal for Danny Lock.
Tunley Athletic enjoyed a 5-1 win at home to Somerton Town Reserves. Nathan Baker scored twice before being sent off, but goals from George Bean, Martin Haig and Oscar Pritchard-booth ensured the result was never in doubt.
■ MID SOMERSET LEAGUE
Peasedown Albion suffered a 2-0 defeat at unbeaten Premier Division leaders Wells City A. Lucas Hawkins, Alex Newbold and substitutes Lee Chinnock and Antonio Sanfilippo helped Timsbury Athletic Reserves overcome second bottom High Littleton 4-1 in Division One.
■ WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
A Kerry Bartlett double, including an injury time winner, helped Keynsham Town to a 2-1 victory over MK Dons in the Southern Premier of the Women’s National League. Grace Eagles scored in the 27th minute for Larkhall to cancel out Keiana Jones’ eighth minute opener during the 1-1 draw at Portishead in Division One South West. Keynsham’s Reserves were thrashed 10-0 at Oxford Development.
Keynsham Town’s other Reserves progressed through in the Somerset Women’s Junior Cup. Fleur Jenkins netted a hat-trick alongside a double for Sophie Allen and one for Hannah Sims as they beat Stockwood Wanderers 6-1. Their Academicals are also through after being handed a home walkover by Cheddar.
Bath City enjoyed a 3-2 win at home to Highworth Town in the Wiltshire League.