Down off to an unbeaten start in league
Odd Down have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their Western League Division One campaign, drawing both of their matches so far.
Beginning at Oldland Abbotonians on Saturday, Odd Down took just nine minutes to register their first goal of the campaign as Luke Bryan found the net after good play from Josh Clark.
Oldland managed to level eight minutes into the second half before Odd Down restored their advantage on 64 minutes as Bryan turned provider with a cross for Clark to slot home. A late equaliser from Oldland, though, saw the points shared on the opening day.
On Tuesday, Odd Down hosted Hallen in a goalless draw. The first half proved very scrappy with a chances few and far between. The even match-up continued into the second period with numerous chances on target, but neither side could find a goal.
In the Premier Division, both Bitton and Keynsham Town have gotten off to a struggling start. Visiting newly relegated Barnstaple Town on Saturday, Bitton were always in for a tough game as Barum look for instant promotion back to the Southern League.
Bitton though had the best chances early on with a couple of crosses that just evaded Jesse Howe. A free-kick was fired straight at the Barnstaple keeper, who also thwarted Harvey Sealey after being put through one-on-one by Howe.
After tempers flared around the 25-minute mark, Liam Monelle found himself in the sin bin and Barnstaple took the lead seven minutes later. Goalkeeper Matthew Dunk had to be on hand to tip a free-kick over as half-time neared, but Barnstaple managed to claim an all-important second just before the break.
A slow start to the second was ended when Barnstaple netted their third on the hour, that became four on 68 minutes before the scoring was rounded off eight minutes from time. James Turner was also sent into the sin bin in injury time.
On Tuesday, Bitton hosted Street, who had also lost their first game of the season. The match got off a slow start once more, with Bitton’s first corner on 11 minutes cleared away.
Sealey forced a massive save from Street’s goalkeeper as Turner headed wide from the resultant corner. Bitton managed to take the lead on 25 minutes when Howe rolled in Jordan Williams to sidefoot home. Bitton looked for a second as Sealey struck a half-volley over, but Street managed to level eight minutes before half-time.
Fletcher Cripps hit the first effort of the second half wide as both Sealey and Howe failed to convert their chances. Callum Baker was smothered by the goalkeeper on the hour, as both teams began to look for a winner in the final 15 minutes, which ultimately ended with honours even.
Keynsham were another side to lose 5-0 on the opening day. Travelling to Cadbury Heath, the Ks suffered a big defeat, which saw William Mark Sage earn a red card on 68 minutes.
They faced newly promoted Sherborne Town on Tuesday and lost 4-0 to get off to the worst possible start this season.
■ HELLENIC LEAGUE Corsham Town began their campaign on Tuesday at home to Wantage. After unveiling the signing of Jack Witcombe, Corsham fell a goal behind before Ryan Bath found captain Mark Cooper to level on 13 minutes. Matty Jenkins gave Corsham a half-time lead on 24 minutes from a corner. Having then led 3-1, Wantage mounted a comeback late on to rescue a point.