Bitton second after beating rivals Down
Bitton have moved into second in the Western League Premier Division after recovering from a half-time deficit to defeat Odd Down 4-1 at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground. The only goal of the first half belonged to the hosts, with top scorer Ash Mcgrane finding the back of the net as the Bath side looked to arrest a six- match winless run. Bitton had other ideas however, and after goals from Kane Ingram and Jack Allward had turned the game on its head, Ben Bament then struck twice in the final five minutes to add some gloss to the scoreline. A strong second half showing from Bradford Town enabled them to claim a 4-1 win away at Brislington. The opening goal of the game went Bradford’s way, with Simon Prangley converting a penalty after Will Hailston had been fouled in the Brislington area. George Saunders then levelled things up midway through the first half, before Dan Cottle headed home a Matt Morris corner to restore Town’s lead in the opening moments of the second half. Hailston got on the end of a Martin Lenihan cross to make it 3-1 just before the hour mark, with Lewis Powell then scoring Bradford’s fourth after being introduced as a second half substitute. In the First Division, Keynsham were unable to take advantage of Cheddar’s slip up in defeat to Warminster Town, with their 15-match winning run brought to an end by Welton Rovers. Aaron Seviour proved too hot to handle for the Keynsham defence, providing assists for Shak Green and Dave Cooper as Welton romped into a two-goal lead at West Clewes. Kyle Box was dismissed during the second half for the visitors, but they did afford themselves a chance late on when Matt Curnock scored, yet Welton kept them at bay and registered their first home league win since October. Longwell Green Sports and Corsham Town remain in seventh and sixth respectively, after the hosts slotted home an 87th minute equaliser from the spot to cancel out James Gardner’s opener at Shellards Road. ■ SOUTHERN LEAGUE Larkhall Athletic came from a goal down away to relegation threatened Fleet Town to come away with a 2-1 victory. Kofi Halliday had the hosts in front after just four minutes. Wayne Nderemani levelled on 20 minutes before the points were assured on the hour through Alexander Lambert. ■ SOMERSET LEAGUE Fry Club remain in pole position to clinch the Premier Division title after beating Nailsea United 2-0 on their travels. They sit just two points off leaders Nailsea & Tickenham, but with two games in hand. The Reserves were edged out in a five goal thriller at Brislington Reserves in Division Two. Keynsham Town Reserves remain on the coattails of the Division One leaders after dispatching struggling Wells City Reserves 5-0, they remain five points behind leaders Mendip Broadwalk with a game in hand and one behind Bridgwater Town Reserves, both having played 22 games. Tunley Athletic were humbled 4-0 at Chew Magna in the Third Division. ■ WILTSHIRE LEAGUE There were no goals to be had in Corsham Town Reserves’ tie with Trowbridge Town Reserves, leaving them fifth and sixth in the league respectively. ■ LADIES Keynsham Town Ladies are sitting six points behind Southampton Women with three games in hand following their fantastic 6-2 thrashing of fourth-placed Cheltenham Town Ladies in the Women’s National League Division One South West.