Bitton withdrawn from the campaign
Bitton have withdrawn from the Toolstation Western League and will not compete for the rest of the campaign.
After the news broke on Thursday, the club issued a statement on its website saying: “It is with deep regret that Bitton 1st Team have been withdrawn from the Toolstation Premier Division by the club.
“The decision has been taken with a heavy heart but in the interest of the whole club and its future sustainability which is imperative.
“The club would like to thank the supporters, sponsors and management for their contributions this season and importantly the players that had committed to the long arduous journeys to date and to complete the season which has proved to be financially one step too far for the club. The club would like to put on record the positive attitudes and commitments that have been enviable, and you are all wished every success going forward.
“The club will now reflect and decide on its options going forward.”
Following their withdrawal, Bitton’s playing record for the season has been expunged and the Premier Division table adjusted accordingly. The squad have been looking for new clubs so that they can continue this playing, while Bitton’s Reserves are still competing in the Bristol & District League.
This comes just two years after Bitton reached the semi finals of the FA Vase, having also finished third in the Western League Premier the season before. It is hoped that they will be able to return in some capacity next season.
■ WOMEN’S FA CUP Keynsham Town have progressed through to the first round following their 3-1 derby win over Larkhall Athletic on Sunday. They will face a trip to Poole Town or Weymouth in the first round on November 13.
■ FA VASE Corsham Town have surged through to the second round for the first time in 16 years with a comfortable 4-0 win over Keynsham Town - their joint-biggest margin of victory in the competition. The Quarrymen made a bright start, with Callum Demkiv forcing a good save before the deadlock was broken on ten minutes by Matt Jenkins who poked home a ball from Sean Keet.
A second followed six minutes later when a quick free-kick from Keynsham backfired and left Ryan Bath to slip in Demkiv to convert. Despite temporarily going down to ten men following a sin binning, Keynsham enjoyed a better spell but that was curtailed just before the half hour mark when Matt Swann made it 3-0 after more good work from Bath.
Dan Demkiv forced another good save shortly before half-time, where he was replaced by Joel Smedley who almost seized on a misplaced back-pass and Swann headed straight to the goalkeeper. Captain Mark Cooper had to be on hand to deny a Keynsham effort at the other end as the hosts looked for a route back into the game, creating many clear chances with Corsham now happy to play on the counter.
After Callum Demkiv struck wide a couple of times, a powerful strike from substitute Corey Harbourburgess was tipped over before fellow replacement Brandon Mundy completed the victory with five minutes to go. Swann was named man of the match, while 17-yearold goalkeeper Ciaran Rough made his first team debut and kept a clean sheet. He will now face stiff competition between the sticks following the signing of Sam Jepson.
Corsham will travel to fellow Hellenic League side Roman Glass St George in the second round on November 12.
Bradford Town have been knocked out following a 3-0 defeat at home to Laverstock & Ford. Following an even start, Jasper Jones shot wildly wide and William Taylor was also just off target for Bradford while Jonny Hill had to make a good save to palm a long strike over the bar at the other end on 20 minutes.
Laverstock took the lead eight minutes before half-time from close range and, just as Ruben Marques nearly found the bottom corner for Bradford, doubled that advantage right before the break to serve as a real sucker-punch. The game was sealed on 67 minutes when Laverstock scored their third as Bradford failed to make any sort of inroad in the second period. Despite the loss, goalkeeper Hill was named the Moulton Bicycles Man of the Match.
Odd Down are also out after their 4-0 defeat at Brixham.
On Tuesday, Down enjoyed victory in a seven-goal thriller at home to AEK Boco in the Western League.
Jake Thomas opened the scoring after five minutes and Luke Bryan netted on 32 minutes, however Down found themselves 3-2 down at the break.
Jack Neil levelled things on 65 minutes before an injury time winner from substitute Cameron New gave Down the three points.
■ SOUTHERN LEAGUE Larkhall Athletic were unable to build on their first win of the campaign last week as they fell 3-0 at home to AFC Totton. Getting off to the worst possible start, Larkhall found themselves a goal down inside four minutes when Adam Tomasso gave Totton the lead. It was then 2-0 just two minutes later when Scott Rendell converted from the penalty.
Having quite the mountain to climb, Larkhall couldn’t get themselves back into the game and Totton completed the scoring in injury time through Harvey Woods.
On Tuesday, Larkhall conceded in the final minute to only earn a point at Sholing.
Harry Simons gave the Larks the lead on 16 minutes before being pegged back late on by Wayne Robinson.
■ WILTSHIRE LEAGUE Odd Down Development travelled to Malmesbury Victoria Development in a physical encounter which saw Malmesbury go ahead in the seventh minute, centre-back Rory Smith heading in from a corner. Odd Down were back on level terms within five minutes of the restart from the penalty spot after an alleged handball in the box. Aidan Maslen put the spot kick away.
Malmesbury went back in front just before the hour. A well worked move down the left saw the ball fall to Joe Tranter who slotted home at the near post. It remained tight for the remainder of the contest, with Malmesbury having to play with ten men for a period after Gareth Jones was sent to the sin bin. However, Odd Down were unable to take advantage of the extra man and Malmesbury held out for three valuable points.
Pewsey Vale Development and Larkhall Athletic Development started the day level on points in Division One, although Pewsey had played three more games. When they had met two weeks ago, Larkhall had won 3-1 and it was another close encounter, with the Larks edging it by the odd goal on this occasion, 3-2. On target for unbeaten Larkhall were Sam Whitson, James Payton and Charlie Saunders. The win saw Larkhall move to within four points of leaders Ludgershall with four games in hand.
■ SOMERSET LEAGUE Goals for Rhys Cook and substitute Samuel Gregory proved insufficient for Timsbury Athletic as they were beaten 5-2 at Wells City Reserves, falling to just their second defeat in six games in the Premier Division. Saltford were edged out in a five-goal thriller at home to Division One second place Uphill Castle, also their second loss in six games.
Goals for Jordan Townsley and Bradley Tyler saw Peasedown Miners Welfare to a 2-0 win at Portishead Town Reserves to remain a point off Division Two leaders Combe St Nicholas in third. Fry Club Reserves drew 2-2 at Somerton Town Reserves in Division Three.
■ MID SOMERSET LEAGUE
Timsbury Athletic Reserves’ perfect start in Division One was brought to an end, but they remain unbeaten following a 3-3 draw with Meadow Rangers. Lewis Challenger, Kane Frith and Sebastian Nix scoring for the leaders.
In contrast, bottom side Peasedown Albion Reserves were beaten 4-0 at Pilton United for their fourth defeat in four games.