Somerset Senior Cup semi-final

Fry Club 3, Middlezoy Rovers 1

MIDDLEZOY lost out in the semi-final of the Somerset Senior Cup for the second time in three years against a well organised and dangerous Premier Division side.

After a poor start the visitors found themselves two goals down going at half-time, but gave themselves a lifeline through Max Cushing midway through the second half – only to be undone on the break only minutes later.

The hosts got off to a flying start and were deservedly ahead on 11 minutes when Alex Zajac bundled the ball home at the back post.

Middlezoy were struggling to deal with the direct and well supported attacks from the home side and were two behind to a well taken goal from Matthew Brown on 38 minutes.

Zoy saw a penalty appeal waved away when Max Cushing was shoved over in the area just before the break, but were very much second best for large parts of the first half.

With two changes at half-time, Middlezoy changed their shape to find a way back into the game.

Jamie Temlett's tame shot was easily saved early on, but the lead was reduced on 65 minutes when Aaron Whaites' delivery was headed home by Max Cushing.

With the game now in the balance, the next goal would be crucial and it was the home side who pounced on 69 minutes when Brown's movement created a chance for Rich Thompson who slotted past Turner to put the game beyond Middlezoy.

Zoy threw men forward for the remainder, but were unable to find a second goal - Jacob Bennett's header the closest they came to causing a frantic finale.

In truth, the home side could and should have extended their advantage with three clear cut chances, one saved by Turner, missed in final minutes.

Middlezoy have four league games remaining and will probably need to win them all to give themselves a genuine chance of promotion to the Somerset Premier division

Team: GTurner, CLintell (AClapp), JBennett, DCann, AWhaites, CTucker, DLuce, MCushing, JTemlett (LTurner), ASmith, CWright (DJennings).