Bobcats in return to winning ways
Bradford Town returned to winning ways in Division One of the Western League after two first-half goals brought them victory at Cheddar.
The Bobcats made a bright start to proceedings as Tom Mack crossed for Jack Witcombe who couldn’t connect at the far post. Following a succession of corners, Bradford finally took the lead on 22 minutes when a cross from the returning Owen Bartley evaded everyone and found the top corner despite Mack trying to get his head on it.
After Ben Wickens fired wide, Bradford were afforded the opportunity to double their lead three minutes before half-time from the spot, which was expertly dispatched by Witcombe.
Cheddar tried to respond in the second half with a number of set pieces and goalkeeper Zak Beard did well to tip a late deflected effort over the bar. Bradford substitute Corey Gardner fired the final chance wide as Bradford secured their seventh win from 13 games.
They are now three points behind third-place Bitton, having played a game more, after Bitton suffered their first defeat of the campaign. Hosting league new boys Middlezoy Rovers, Josh Williams had the first chance of the afternoon following an even opening five minutes, but he was crowded out.
Bitton came close to taking the lead on 19 minute when Scott Gregory’s header came back off the post from a long-range free-kick and, after Bitton had penalty claims turned down on the half hour mark, Middlezoy took the lead 11 minutes before half-time against the run of play.
Looking to respond in the second half, Bitton pinned Middlezoy back and had the perfect chance to level with a penalty on 66 minutes which was missed. They were made to rue that missed opportunity as Middlezoy scored a second to secure the three points.
A 90th minute goal from Ben Millet ensured Odd Down continued their recent winning run at home to AEK Boco.
The visitors had several former Down players in their squad and took the lead midway through the first half with a good move down the right and a tap in at the back post.
Down regrouped and swiftly grabbed a equaliser right on halftime after Boco scorer Sidney Partridge inadvertently diverted a cross into his own net.
Down took their momentum into the first quarter of the second period and nearly took the lead with a Josh Swarbrick header from the back post which was repelled from a fantastic goal-line save from
Ashley Bryan. Down’s pressure finally told in dying minutes though when Millet calmly slotted home from inside a crowded penalty area.
There was enough time for Boco to respond, though, and they hit the crossbar with a glancing header before man of the match David Hare put in a fantastic block to see Down to the three points.
Corsham Town remain top of the Premier Division as the continued their unbeaten start with a 3-1 win at Slimbridge o Tuesday.
Niekell Plummer netted right on half-time to give the Quarrymen the lead at the break, before Daniel Price added Corsham’s second just before the hour.
The points were secured three minutes from time when substitute Kane Simpson found the net.
■ WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Malmesbury Victoria Development entertained Larkhall Athletic Development under the lights at the Flying Monk Ground on Friday.
Larkhall went in front on 21 minutes through a header from Harvey Kendrick for his third goal of the season. Malmesbury were back on level terms eight minutes before half-time, a Larkhall defender putting the ball into his own net.
In a tight affair, it remained that way until eight minutes from time when a second Malmesbury goal scored by Joe Tranter from a Jake Pinnell pass ensured it was the home side who took the three points courtesy of a 2-1 win.
On Saturday, Amesbury Town ran out 8-1 winners against bottom of the table Odd Down Development.
Two goals came for both Josh Moore and Charlie Jackson, with further goals from Kieron Diazbenetiz, Craig Wheeler, Ben Morris and Jack Langhorn, Jasper Morris with the consolation for Down.
■ SOMERSET LEAGUE Fry Club crashed out of the Premier & Division One Cup after losing at Ashcott in sudden death of a penalty shoot-out. Freddie Gwyther had scored from the sport in the first half to initially level the tie, before Ashcott moved back in front before half-time.
Ashcott looked to be on course for victory before James Phillips offered Frys a lifeline with his leveller two minutes from time to force penalties. With nothing separating the sides after five spot kicks each, Ashcott would eventually progress 7-6.
Peasedown Miners Welfare eased themselves into the next round with a convincing 4-1 win at Ashton & Backwell United Reserves.
Lewis Wheeler was amongst the goals with a brace to help Peasedown progress.
That was matched by Timsbury
■ HELLENIC LEAGUE
Athletic at Middlezoy Rovers Reserves. Nathan Flynn, Rico Sobers and substitutes Liam Craze and Jack Scrivens were on all on target to see Timsbury through.
Saltford have been knocked out after a narrow 2-1 defeat at Chard Town. Myles Jefferies weighed in with the Saltford goal.
In the Division 2&3 Cup, Cam Valley and Peasedown Albion could only be separated by penalties in a tense affair. Peasedown took the lead and went 2-1 up before Cam responded and turned the game on its head as they moved 4-2 in front. However, Peasedown fought back once more and levelled the tie with eight minutes to go to force a shoot-out. Holding their nerve, Peasedown won out 4-3 to progress through.
Dan Hucker scored twice for Albion alongside goals for substitute Endrit Qosja and Jake Ford, Josh Addicott was named man of the match.
Tunley Athletic exited the competition following a 6-0 loss at Draycott. Fry Club Reserves were beaten 4-0 by visiting St George Easton in Gordano.
■ MID SOMERSET
Timsbury Athletic Reserves enjoyed a five-goal performance at home to Chilcompton Sports Reserves to secure back to back wins in the Premier Division. Iwan Tudor netted twice for Timsbury in the 5-0 victory, with Kane Frith, Sebastian Nix and James Noad claiming the other goals.
Peasedown Albion Reserves and Chew Magna Reserves played out a 1-1 draw in Division One. Jackson Bryant scored for Chew in the 25th minute as both sides recorded their first point of the campaign, in their second matches to date.
■ WOMEN’S FOOTBALL Sophie Price netted with 12 minutes to play to earn Keynsham Town a 2-1 win at Torquay United in Division One South West of the FA Women’s National League. Naomi Clipston had scored Keynsham’s opener on 27 minutes.
In contrast, the Reserves suffered a 7-0 defeat at Portsmouth Development in the Reserve South West Division.
In the South West Regional League, Larkhall Athletic fought back from 3-0 down to narrowly lose 3-2 at home to St Austell in the Premier Division.
Erin Duffy was named Larks’ player of the match.
Bitton enjoyed a 4-1 win over St Vallier in the Northern Division.
Rebecca Sullivan got Bitton on the board early with her sixth minute strike, before Keziah Walsh added a second four minutes later.
Georgia James got on the scoresheet just after the half-hour mark, with Anna Munday rounding off Bitton’s scoring on 69 minutes.