Cleeve keep perfect 2019 record with win in nine-goal thriller

» BISHOP’S Cleeve continued their 100% start to 2019 with an enthralling 6-3 Hellenic Premier Division win against Binfield at Kayte Lane.

Kevin Slack opened the scoring after 17 seconds from a Harrison Iddles cross but Binfield drew level after 10 minutes when Stephen Peacock managed to get the ball past Lewis Clayton at the second attempt.

It took good defensive work from Jordan Staten and Freddie Ward to keep the visitors from going in front, but Cleeve went in at half time 2-1 up when Ryan New was hauled down off the ball during a corner allowing Slack to convert from the spot.

Binfield equalised nine minutes into the second half when Ian Davies was put through and fired past Clayton .

Cleeve retook the lead when Jack Watts beat two players and whipped a first time cross for Brad Martin to bundle it over the line.

However, Cleeve let the lead slip for the third time straight from the kick off when Josh Howell went through one on one and hit a great swerving shot to beat Clayton at his near post.

Cleeve took the lead for the fourth time five minutes later when Elliot Kennedy got on the end of another Watts cross to score his 23rd goal of the season

It was 5-3 when Ieaun Crowe played a ball through for Martin who, knowing he was offside, stood still, allowing Crowe to run onto his through ball.

Crowe pulled the ball back for Ash Davies who was free to score with his first touch and the scoring was completed with 10 minutes left when Iddles crossed for Martin to convert his 23rd goal of the season.