The "big two" went head-to-head for the second time this season as reigning Uxella League champions Woolavington played host to Dave Hobbs Cup holders Tiger Old Boys and for the second time the Tigers emerged victorious. The campaign had kicked off with these two sides facing each other in the Presidents Cup curtain raiser and on that occasion the Tigers won by a single goal margin. Today the story was very different as they romped to a comprehensive 4-0 win thanks to a hat-trick from Jamie Chillingworth and a strike from youngster Max Cushing. A depleted Woolavington's cause was admittedly not helped by the loss of Tim Netto early on to injury which meant that they had to play the remainder of the game with only ten men but it is some time now since Woolavington have got the better of the Tigers, who always seem to rise to the occasion when facing their greatest rivals.
The newest force in the top flight, Quantock Pride, came unstuck for the first time this season as Red Tile came back from a goal down to win 3-1 away. The prolific James Bawden was again on target for Pride but Tile boss Andy Staunton soon equalised before second half goals from Andy Smith and Adam Chappell sealed the win for the visitors that sees them go second in the table on goal difference.
Maxwells are just behind Red Tile in third place on the same points total after their third successive win as they came away from Ashcott with a resounding 6-1 victory. Wayne Spencer opened the scoring after only five minutes but Chris Murphy soon levelled for Ashcott. However, two goals from Steve Spencer gave Maxwells a 3-1 half-time advantage and they then increased their lead in the second period thanks to two strikes from Mike Stone and an Ed Habberfield penalty.
It's now two wins in succession for Grasshoppers '04 after they also won on the road, running out 3-2 victors away to Maltshovel. The home side took an early lead through Josh Bennett but the Hoppers restored parity through Matt Burgess's fourth goal in his last two games. Then a 40-yard belter from Tony Cox and a superbly worked effort from the impressive Dan Luce gave the Hoppers a 3-1 lead at the interval. Maltshovel rallied strongly in the second half and put the visitors under considerable pressure as the game wore on with skipper Simon Dodden scoring the home side's second. However, despite a frantic last ten minutes the Hoppers held firm to secure three more valuable points.
For the third week in a row Flag Old Boys were involved in a match with a 3-2 scoreline but unlike last week this time the result was in their favour as they won away to Commercial. Flag started the stronger and soon took an early lead through Polish striker Michael Baran on ten minutes. The home side equalised soon after through a 25-yard screamer to leave the game delicately poised at 1-1 at the interval. After the break another long range shot put Commercial 2-1 up but Flag continued to attack and were rewarded for their efforts when Jamie Stewart was upended in the box, allowing veteran Martyn Allen to equalise from the penalty spot. In the closing minutes Flag's Andy White was also tripped in the box and Allen stepped up again to slot home the winner with his second penalty of the game.
There was a feast of goals in the game between Railway Club and Pawlett United which eventually finished as a 5-5 draw. Railway drew on the vast experience in their ranks with goals from veterans Nigel Gillard(2), Bob Abrams, Lee Hemsley and Barry Hardwell. Pawlett replied through a Will Beggs hat-trick and further goals from Aaron Kroll and Simon Coombes.
The two pace-setters in the second division continue to blaze a trail as leaders Cannington and second-placed Blake Old Boys both extended their perfect start to the season with further wins.
Cannington won 5-0 at home to L & G after a brace from Darryl Taylor and further strikes from Liam Barnett, Josh Turner and Rich Harvey.
Blake hit Huntspill Crowns for six as they won 6-1 away thanks to a Matt Milton hat-trick, two from Kev Warre and one from Shane Thompson. Jeff Read scored Huntspill's consolation effort.
Admirals go third after their 5-1 home victory over Abbey Moor. Stu Croker was again on target with two goals and was joined on the scoresheet by Kev Andrews, Mike White and Dave Gardiner. Abbey's consolation also came via an Admirals player with Jeff Smith scoring an own goal.
Bower United go fourth behind Admirals on goal difference after they won 7-2 away to Ramblers. Steve Hall (2), Sam Puddy, Scott Capel, Rob White, Jarrid McKay and an own goal sealed the win for the visitors. A Martin Portlock strike and a Bower own goal was Ramblers' consolation.
Bridgwater Wanderers also scored seven on their travels as they won 7-3 at Sportsman. Vince Kennedy bagged a hat-trick, Dave Baker scored two and Nathan Huxtable and Ryan Cresswell completed the victory. A 35-yard strike from Matt Parker, a 40-yard free-kick from Jack Taylor and another goal from Steve Addicott was Sportsman's response.
Not to be outdone, Coxley Rovers also registered a magnificent seven as they won 7-4 at home to Pawlett Reserves. Nathan Truckle hit three, Jake Greenhalgh scored twice and there were further goals from Joynul Ali and Martin Wake.
In the remaining game in Division Two former Hopper Adam Kinsey returned to haunt Grasshoppers '05 as he bagged a hat-trick for his current side Woolavington Reserves in their 6-1 away win at Morganians. Sam Weston, Steve Harris and Tom Presley were the other scorers for the visitors while evergreen Scottish super-veteran Bob Kippen was on target for the Hoppers reserves.
(Story First Published: 30.09.07) |
