Every point counts in a very tight table
The battle at the top of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division is getting ever tighter as the season enters its home straight.
Bishops Cleeve look to be in full control at the moment, leading by eight points with games in hand on all those around them bar Westbury United in third, but behind them just four points separate second-place Cribbs and ninth-place Longlevens with sides having played numerous of different amounts of games.
A crucial game took place at Langland Stadium as Bradford Town travelled to Malvern Town but suffered a 2-0 defeat. After a goalless first half, Harry Clark opened the scoring on 66 minutes before Bradford’s task was made harder when Aaron Witchell was sent off five minutes later. Substitute Ben Hayes secured the points which moved Malvern level on points with the Bobcats who currently sit fourth but have a game in hand over Malvern and two over Cribbs.
Malvern also managed to move ahead of Corsham Town on goal difference following Corsham’s goalless draw at eighth-place Westfields. They had gone into that game following a tempestuous fivegoal thriller at Fairford Town on Wednesday. A double from Gary Higdon and a goal from Aysa Corrick secured a narrow 3-2 victory in a game which saw Sean Keet and Corrick both sent off for Corsham and goalscorer George Peare leave the field for Fairford.
That all changed on Tuesday when Corrick’s goal in first half injury time was enough to see them beat Brimscombe & Thrupp to move second and drop Bradford back to fifth with their game in hand. Oliver Pitt had been sent off for Brimscombe for a second bookable offence.
■ WESTERN LEAGUE A single goal from Will Hailston on the hour was enough for Keynsham Town to overcome Street 1-0 on Tuesday in the Premier Division.
Victory moves them up to ninth, but they have now played more games than all but leaders Tavistock above them.
■ WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Odd Down Reserves have confirmed that manager Jay Riccio will be stepping down from his position at the end of the current campaign.
In a statement made by the club on Twitter, it reads: “On behalf of everybody at the club, I would like to thank Jay for undertaking the role of Under-18s and latterly Reserve team manager over the past four years.
“So we are therefore looking for someone with the drive and passion for football development to take our players to the next level. We would prefer that you hold a Level 1 Coaching Badge, but if not then a willingness to undertake this and other training offered through the FA, is acceptable.
“We are committed to the safety and well being of our players, as such the successful post holder will be required to undergo a vetting process, including an enhanced DBS check and reference history checks.
“Please apply with you CV, via email to our director of football Everett Welch on everettwelch@ icloud.com.”
■ SOMERSET LEAGUE The only game to survive in the Premier Division came at the AJN Stadium and its all-weather pitch.
Keynsham Town Reserves hosted second-place Nailsea & Tickenham and suffered a 4-0 defeat to leave Keynsham a point off safety having played the same number of games as third-bottom Stockwood Green.