Larks recover to win against title-chasers
Larkhall Athletic produced a fine turnaround to overcome Southern League Division 1 South title-chasers Yate Town at Plain Ham.
Yate, playing against a strong wind in the first half, took a 24th minute lead when Olly Mehew slotted home the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Larks shot-stopper Shaun Semmens.
The visitors squandered a couple of decent chances early in the second half and paid the price when Athletic drew level with a penalty of their own on 65 minutes, which was tucked away by Lewis Powell.
And with ten minutes to go the points belonged to Larkhall as Powell broke down the middle and scored again to secure victory for Phil Bater’s charges.
■■Toolstata ion Le gue Bitton were shoved back down to third in the Premier Division thanks to a 1-1 draw with Bridgwater Town.
The contest failed to come alive until five minutes from time, when s-ubstitute Carl Jones jabbed Bridg water in front.
But never-say-die Ton hauled themselves to a point return as Alex Grimshaw found the net in the 92nd minute.
Odd Down did Bitton a favour as they too finished with a 1-1 draw at home to top flight leaders Willand Rovers.
T-he Downers came close to win ning the contest, with the Devon visitors drawing level on the last play of the game.
David Gould had scored a beauty to put Odd Down on course for victory, only for Aidan Moyle to rescue a point for Rovers.
It was an afternoon to forget for Bradford Town, who fell to a 4-1 defeat at Buckland Athletic, Will Hailston grabbing the Bobcats’ goal.
In the second tier, Keynsham Town snuck past Warminster thanks to a late Stefan Lee goal, which keeps them in touch with leaders Cheddar.
Last Wednesday, Keynsham slipped out of the Les Phillips Cup to Premer Division Plymouth Parkway 2-1, having taken a half-hour lead via Lee.
Elsewhere, Corsham Town saw off Oldland Abbotonians 2-1 at Southbank.
Now unbeaten in seven games, Corsham opened up a 2-0 halftime lead through Josh Bright and Zac Costello, though Joe Walters pulled one back from the spot.
Corsham’s weekend game at h-ome to Wiltshire rivals Warmin ster takes place on Friday night. ■■Ssomer et League Premier Division leaders Fry Club smashed seven goals past hapless Wrington Redhill, who replied only once.
Nick Walters struck two of the goals, with the remainder shared between Jakob White, Ed Searle, Ryan Madge, Paul Worlock and Callum Baker.
O-dd Down Reserves remain win less at the bottom after a 2-1 loss at Clutton.
Keynsham Town Reserves came through in the Premier & Division 1 Cup 4-2 on penalties after a draw at their Bridgwater counterparts, but Saltford were eliminated 2-0 by Middlezoy Rovers.
In First Division action, Timsbury Athletic played out a 3-0 defeat to Mendip Broadwalk.
Peasedown Miners Welfare’s Divisin 2&3 Cup adventure ended with a 4-2 loss to Somerton Town Reserves, while Tunley Athletic were beaten 2-1 by Congresbury in Division 3, Nathan Baker their goalscorer.
■■ Corsham Town Reserves drew 0-0 with Pewsey Vale Development in the Wiltshire Senior League. ■■Women’s nat ional larkhall L-adies narrowly lost out by the sin gle goal on a very windy afternoon at Sholing FC against Southampton Girls & Ladies.
Southampton’s goal came on the half hour mark when keeper Nicola O’connell did well to save Rhianne Parsons’ shot, but could nothing with the rebound.
Larkhall were unlucky not to equalise from Mel Sartain’s freekick which was cleared off the line. Keynsham Town Ladies thumped current leaders Southampton Women 5-1. Laura Williams and Kerry Bartlett gave Keynsham a 2-1 lead at the break before Curson hit a brace and Bartlett also grabbed a second in the second period.
The win moves Keynsham to within three points of Southamp ton with three games in hand.