On a cold and wet morning with conditions difficult underfoot for the first time this season the Uxella League saw their last remaining representatives in the Somerset Cup crash out at the third round stage as Flag Old Boys lost narrowly 2-1 at home to Westgate Wanderers of the Taunton Sunday League. Flag enjoyed a dream start taking a 1-0 lead in the first minute through Mike Taylor but Westgate equalised before the break before going on to score the winner midway through the second period.
With Uxella League leaders Quantock Pride not in action the three teams immediately behind them in the table were all able to close the gap to a single point with their respective victories.
Second-placed Red Tile won 3-1 away to Ashcott as they raced into a 3-0 half-time lead after strikes from Neil Thompson, James Hamilton and Andy Staunton. The Ashcott keeper then distinguished himself in the second period with a string of fine saves to deny Tile further goals before team mate Chris Fletcher popped up with a consolation effort for the home side.
Tiger Old Boys and Woolavington are just behind Tile on goal difference with only goals scored separating these two giants who have otherwise identical records so far.
Maltshovel took an early lead at home to the Tigers through a Darryl Cocks strike and that was how the scoreline remained until ten minutes into the second half when a Jamie Chillingworth penalty levelled the scores. Ian Bellinger then gave Tigers the lead with a fine finish from the edge of the box before Aaron Whaites secured all three points for the Old Boys as he sealed a 3-1 victory.
Champions Woolavington similarly struck three goals on their travels as they won 3-0 away to Maxwells.
Railway Club's revival continued as they ran out 5-2 home victors over Grasshoppers '04. Railway raced into a 2-0 lead and spurned a number of opportunities to increase their advantage before half-time. The second period then saw a mini Grasshoppers revival as a Roberto Carlos style piledriver free kick from Nigel Woodcock reduced the deficit. Railway immediately struck back with a third before the spirited Hoppers responded again via a fine finish from Dean Dunn at the back post. However, the experience of Railway ultimately told as they made the game same in the final quarter with two more well worked strikes. The usual suspects of Nigel Gillard (2), Lee Hemsley, John Richards and Robert Trice were all on target for Railway as they continue to climb the table.
As if the weather wasn't enough it was quite simply raining goals in Division Two as Admirals put Sportsman to the sword with a 14-2 trouncing. That man Stu Croker was once again at the centre of the action with a double hat-trick and an all round man of the match performance. He was joined on a lengthy scoresheet by Dave Preece (2), Martin Cheese (2), Rich Smith, John Doyle, Kev Curran and Dan Sharpe.
Just as impressive was the superb comeback of second division leaders Bridgwater Wanderers who were trailing 4-0 away to Blake Old Boys with half an hour to go but who then proceeded to turn the game around with a last gasp 5-4 victory. Shane Thompson, Chris Yates (2) and Paul Neal had seemingly put Blake home and dry but they had reckoned without a hat-trick from Gordy Addicott and two from Sean Childs that keeps the Wanderers on top of the division with a game in hand.
Cannington remain in second spot after a narrow 2-1 win away to Coxley Rovers after goals from Darryl Taylor and Nathan Chillingworth.
There was also a goals "downpour" at Morganians as Grasshoppers '05 were hammered 10-0 by L & G.
Pawlett Reserves remain eighth after a 5-2 home win over Huntspill Crowns. Two goals from Jake Aidey and one each from AJ Mountain, Josh Speed and from Ben Selway secured the three points while, at the other end, Mark Pople was man of the match with no less than three goal line clearances.
In the remaining game in division two Abbey Moor got back to winning ways with a 5-2 home victory over Ramblers thanks to strikes from Shay Speakman (2), Dave Little, Ben Treloar and Colin MacPhearson.
(Story First Published: 18.11.07) |
