Somerset Senior League Cup

Timsbury Athletic 1 Middlezoy Rovers 3

MIDDLEZOY knew a draw would be enough to qualify from the group in second place, but took maximum points securing victory against a physical Timsbury side thanks to goals from Dan Luce, Max Cushing and the returning Craig Wright.

With contrasting styles of play, Middlezoy stuck to their passing principles, but fell behind after a Jake Horsey pass back was intercepted by the Timsbury centre forward who raced through to beat the onrushing Greg Turner on 23 minutes.

Middlezoy did not take long to respond and were level five minutes later when Dan Luce’s finish capped an excellent move which included a marauding Adam Prescott run down the right and a well weighted Max Cushing lay off.

Cushing then thought he had given Zoy the lead, but his effort was cleared off the line after a scramble in the box and Luce’s long range effort tested the unorthodox home goal keeper, as the sides went in level at the break.

A terrific save from Greg Turner early in the second half prevented Timsbury taking the lead, but as things settled down the visitors began to take control - the energy of Damon Jennings in midfield making a real difference.

Luce’s deep corner was nodded in by Cushing who out jumped his marker, giving Middlezoy a deserved lead on 67 minutes and with no sign of a comeback, Middlezoy bought on Craig Wright after a month out and young Harrison Puplett for his senior debut.

It was Wright who put the icing on the performance, racing on to a Greg Turner clearance to finish via the inside of the post on 72 minutes to send Middlezoy comfortably through to the knockout stages.

Middlezoy are in county cup action this weekend at home to Winscombe in a 1.45pm kick-off. Entry is free and there will be refreshments on sale.

Team: GTurner, LTurner (Puplett), Horsey, Brown, Lintell, Jennings, Luce, Smith, Temlett, Prescott (Wright), Cushing.