U18 Combination Late Slimbridge goal sinks Rockleaze
ROCKLEAZE Rangers were beaten 2-1 at Slimbridge in the Under-18 Combination Premier Division.
Rockleaze had the breee at their backs in the first half, but it was Slimbridge who took a 23rd-minute lead when Jack Riley’s cross swas swung over the head of the goalkeeper and landed in the top corner of the net.
Both sides made good use of the rolling subs to keep fresh legs on the pitch and the first half ended 1-0, with chances missed at both ends.
Rockleaze started the brighter of the two teams after the break and got back on terms in the 58th minute after their striker latched on to a pass and lashed his shot high into the net.
A draw looked on the cards until Slimbridge won the ball on the edge of the Rockleaze area and Josh Vallis-Ridler’s shot found the net in the 89th minute.
In Division One, Downend
Orange head the early-season table after two 2-1 wins over Thornbury and Larkhall, followed
Saltford Stars and Stoke Lane Colts both with one win and one draw.
Highridge United gained their first win of the season with a 5-0 victory at Bromley Heath and achieved it wearing their new away kit, sponsored by JPS.
A hard day’s graft was put in by Highridge with some great energy coming from the middle of the park. Goals came from Ferdinand Symons, Joe Head, George Hardwell, Sean Davis and Jack Cousins, with assists from Dylan McLennon, Jack Cousins and Joshua Gilborson. Man of the match was a hard one to select as there were so many candidates to choose from, but defender Harry Friend got the award.
In Division Two, Olveston Under-17s and Chew Valley have made a good start to the season with two wins apiece.
Olveston beat St Nicholas Green 7-2 last Sunday, while Chew Valley had a 4-3 win at Keynsham Town Youth.
In Division Three, Downend Eagles, Larkhall Athletic Under17s and Whitchurch Sports are the frontrunners with six points each.
At the other end of the table, new teams Clifton Eagles, Hambrook and Mendip Broadwalk are still searching for their first points of the campaign.
Whitchurch Sports gained their second win of the season with a 4-0 victory against Fry Club Colts at South Bristol Sports Centre.
The Fry’s goalkeeper was busy in the early exchanges, saving a couple of good efforts. But, on 25 minutes, Whitchurch forward Luis Teagle latched on to a bouncing ball in the box and slotted the ball under the diving ‘keeper to make it 1-0.
It remained that way until halftime, despite a Whitchurch player having a one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the 39th minute, with his shot sliding just wide, and a Fry’s player forcing the Whitchurch ‘keeper to make his first save on 42 minutes from a fierce strike. Midway through the second half, Whitchurch extended their lead, through Teagle .
Fry’s had a chance to pull a goal back in the 72nd minute, but the McKenzie made an athletic save.
Whitchurch scored a third on 80 minutes through Archie Saunders, and Sam Moore added a fourth with two minutes left.
Backwell Athletic won their opening game of the season with a 5-0 victory at home to Mendip Broadwalk.#
Backwell took the lead in the fourth minute when Tim Watkins headed in from a corner. They doubled their lead after 15 minutes when Louis Baxter finished off a good move.
Joe Wild added two more goals either side of a goal from Seb Lambert, which saw Backwell into halftime at 5-0. The second half was far more even contest and, although no further goals were scored, both teams squandered good opportunities.”