With reigning Uxella League champions Woolavington enjoying a well-earned rest, second-placed Railway Club had the opportunity to go level with the leaders on points and this they duly achieved thanks to a brace from Barry Hardwell that sealed a 2-0 victory over Maltshovel Sports.
Third-placed Red Tile also enjoyed a mini 'winter break' so the next top-of-the-table point of focus was the battle of fourth versus fifth as Pawlett United entertained Tiger Old Boys. Having drawn 2-2 when the sides last met in the league back in November, with Pawlett dominating proceedings on that occasion, this time around United were fully rewarded after another good showing as they ran out 3-1 winners thanks to two cracking strikes from Will Beggs, one of which was from 30-yards out, and a further goal from Lee Turner.
Credit must go to bottom side Bunch of Grapes as they registered only their second victory of the campaign with a narrow 1-0 home win over Flag Old Boys through a Lee Fury goal and some resolute defending. With Bunch's performances improving in recent weeks could they perhaps be about to embark on another late fightback to secure their top flight status just as they did at the tail-end of last season?
It is now five wins from their last six outings for the young Grasshoppers '04 side as they continue to gain strength and confidence with every passing game. The now familiar teenage trio, Jack Taylor (2), Jason Hitchcock and Tom Seal, with a 35-yard pearler, were again on the scoresheet as they emerged as 4-0 away winners at Maxwells. This result sees the young Hoppers climb to the heady heights of sixth in the table.
In the remaining game in Division One, two goals from Chris Bell gave Ashcott a 2-0 home win over a distinctly rusty Cross Rifles outfit who have played only two competitive fixtures in the last six weeks. The win sees Ashcott move to within a point of Flag Old Boys in the first division table.
It is still neck and neck at the top of Division Two as the two runaway pacesetters, Quantock Pride and Commercial, were again on matchwinning form.
Leaders Quantock Pride left it very late in their away game at Woolavington Reserves and had looked to be on course for a points-dropping 1-1 draw before Steve Lock put a free kick into the top corner with only a handful of minutes remaining to set up a crucial 2-1 victory. Steve Harris bagged Woolavington's consolation.
Meanwhile, second-placed Commercial were in more free-scoring form, putting seven past visitors Wookey Sports to finish up 7-2 home victors as they continue to breathe heavily down Quantock's neck. Darren Hewett was the main man with a four-goal haul while Darren Hill (2) and Olly Pearce completed the rout.
The Uxella League's other 'youth academy', Bower United, also hit a magnificent seven in their away game at Countryman as they ran out 7-3 winners. Veteran player-boss Darryl Puddy led the way with two goals, one of which was direct from a corner. Brendan Pope and Steve Hall also scored two apiece and were joined on the scoresheet by Greg Blackburn.
Blake Old Boys leapfrogged non-playing Cannington into third place after a 4-1 away win at Admirals despite a consolation from Kev Andrews for the home side.
Huntspill Crowns were able to take full advantage of Admirals' slip-up, moving above them into sixth spot as they ran out 3-2 home winners over Bridgwater Wanderers. Two strikes from Paul Burrow and an own goal from Wanderers' Ryan Hobbs did the damage for Crowns while Shane Thompson and Dean Dunn replied at the right end for the visitors.
In the remaining game in the second division, the basement battle between bottom side Grasshoppers '05 and third-from-bottom Pawlett Reserves proved to be a tight affair with the spoils eventually being shared after a 2-2 draw. Veteran rockabilly Dave 'Elvis' Norrell bagged both of the Hoppers' goals and might even have secured his hat-trick in the final minute but he spurned a gilt-edged opportunity that left him way down and all shook up at the final whistle.
(Story First Published: 30.01.07) |
