The line-up of the 2006-07 Dave Hobbs Cup Final is now confirmed after Tiger Old Boys put on a commanding performance in their semi-final tie at Cross Rifles to run out 4-0 victors. Paul Meare, Jamie Chillingworth and two goals from man-of-the-match Max Cushing, one of which was an exquisite lob over the outrushing keeper from the edge of the 18-yard box, confirm the Tigers' place in a mouthwatering showpiece final on 7th May against their great rivals Woolavington.
Meanwhile, the Uxella League title race took what could prove to be a decisive turn this weekend as Woolavington took full advantage of start-of-day leaders Railway Club's dropping of points to return to the top of the pile.
Woolavington played host to bottom side Bunch of Grapes but their route to three priceless points was not entirely straightforward. First their regular goalkeeper injured himself in the pre-match warm-up and had to be replaced by an emergency stand-in. Two of their three permitted substitutes were then introduced at half-time but within minutes the champions were hit with a further freak injury blow as they saw another player have to leave the pitch only to discover that their third substitute had also injured himself as he prepared to come on. As such they had to play out the remainder of the game with ten men. Problems aside, they still managed to secure the anticipated victory as Matt Fursland bagged four goals and was joined on the scoresheet by Matt Blackmore (2) and Marcus Butler as the home side cruised to a 7-2 win. The result not only puts Woolavington top of the table by a point from Railway Club but, crucially, they have two games in hand on their nearest challengers.
The deposing of Railway Club was instigated by a much improved performance from Flag Old Boys who set about their illustrious visitors with much gusto, taking an early lead through their new Polish striker Michael Barrant who scored his first goal in English football after only five minutes. Jamie Stewart then scored twice in the second half to put Flag within touching distance of an upset as they led 3-1 with only 20 minutes remaining. However, Railway are nothing if not resilient and, despite fielding a somewhat depleted side, they still managed to salvage a point from the game as they came back to make it 3-3 in the final ten minutes. Lee Hemsley (2) and Carl Tucker were the men who kept Railway firmly on track for a top two finish.
Much-improved Ashcott made it four victories from their last five games as they won 3-0 away to Pawlett United. They took the lead after a drilled cross from Chris Fletcher was turned into his own net by a Pawlett defender. Then Chris Bell made it 2-0 as he got on the end of a long clearance from stand-in keeper John Bagg. A Chris Murphy volley then put the seal on an excellent days work for the visitors.
In the remaining game in the top flight Red Tile were held to a 1-1 draw by Maltshovel Sports despite creating a host of goal-scoring opportunities. Rich Ball eventually gave Tile a slender 1-0 advantage midway through the second half but the young Maltshovel side stole a point with almost the last kick of the game thanks to a late Andrew Skidmore effort and they could even have taken all three points had it not been for a saved penalty.
Second division leaders Commercial kept up their title challenge with a solid 3-0 away win at third placed Blake Old Boys after a brace from Scott Hawkins and a further strike from Mark O'Brien.
However, Quantock Pride continue to breathe down Commercial's neck as they also emerged victorious, and in some style, as they thumped lowly Countryman 9-0 at home after a fine hat-trick from James Bawden, two from Scott Slaney and further goals from Paul Bawden, Sean O'Brien and via a superbly placed penalty into the top corner from Martin Clifford. Not only does this win mean that Pride remain five points behind but with two games in hand on Commercial but, with this winning margin, they also have managed to bring their goal difference to within one goal of Commercial's which could prove to be important in the final weeks of the campaign.
Another struggling side on the wrong end of a thumping were ten-man Grasshoppers '05 who went down 11-0 at home to Huntspill Crowns, Goals from Paul Burrow(4), Paul Walton(3), Brian Read(2) , Rob Kilduff and an OG. The result sees Huntspill leapfrog Admirals into sixth place thanks to their now superior goal difference.
Admirals could yet return above Huntspill as they have the benefit of a game in hand and they kept up their recent good run of form with a third successive victory, running out 4-1 winners at home to Wookey Sports after two goals each from Kev Andrews and Andy Cheese. Wookey's consolation effort was a superb 30-yard screamer from Andy Hamilton.
In the remaining game in Division Two Woolavington Reserves also won by a 4-1 scoreline as they came from behind to beat Bridgwater Wanderers. The Wanderers took the lead through Jamie Evans but the game turned on its head after they lost Aaron Head to a suspected broken leg. Kev Dibble, Steve Harris, Tom Presley and Gary Butler then scored the goals that sealed the three points for the home side.
(Story First Published: 27.03.07) |
