Southern Lashenko delighted with character shown by Manor Farm
OWEN Howe struck twice as Bristol Manor Farm became the first side to take points off Division One South leaders AFC Totton this season in a 2-2 draw at The Creek.
Howe is now the league’s leading scorer with eight goals and Manor Farm, with eight points from five games, are up to fifth in the table.
Howe, who returned for a second spell with Manor Farm this summer, gave Lee Lashenko’s side a great start by firing home from a fourth-minute free-kick.
The visitors struck back through Hisham Kasimu’s deflected effort, on 17 minutes, and Ethan Taylor’s long-range strike, in the 40th minute, to lead at the break.
Ben John pulled off an excellent
save to deny Totton a third goal in the 56th minute, while Jayden Nielsen had a shot tipped over the crossbar at the other end.
Totton were reduced to 10 men in the 77th minute when Callum Baughton was sent off for bringing down Ben Bament as he raced clear. From the resulting free-kick, Howe lashed the ball home for the equaliser.
In an interview on the Manor Farm website, manager Lashenko said: “We started strong. We wanted to be on the front foot. Then we had a period where we allowed them back in the game.
“Their first goal was fortunate. I think it took a ricochet and fell into the lad’s path. The second goal we could have cleared the area better.
“So we’ve gone from a goal up to a goal down at half-time. But, in fairness, the players showed good character.
“They felt they were well in the game, and I just had the sense they were going to take care of business in the second half.
“We really set about Totton, who are probably the best side in the league at the moment, and I felt we were good value for the equaliser. We shaded it in possession and chances. We deserved a point and could have got all three.”
Paulton Rovers are in eighth place in Division One South following a 2-1 defeat at home to Evesham United, which was a first league reverse of the season for John Rendall’s side.
In the sixth minute, Rovers goalkeeper Aaron Sainsbury saved Jack Horrell’s shot with his legs.
Four minutes later, Paulton went ahead after Dan Cottle was fouled and Leighton Thomas converted the penalty.
Evesham levelled on 15 minutes after Jamie Lucas struck the crossbar Karnell Chambers followed up to head home.
Thomas brought a fine save from the goalkeeper Lewis Clayton, but just before half-time Lorcan Sheehan headed Evesham in front from Chambers corner.
Paulton had the better of the second half, with Thomas going close on a couple of occasions, but the home side were unable to find an equaliser.