Somerset County League Div 1 West

Ilminster Town 0 Middlezoy Rovers 1

MIDDLEZOY made history on Monday by becoming the first team in over 12 years to take maximum points from their entire Somerset County League season away from home, despite having to make considerable changes to personnel and formation with several players unavailable.

Jake Horsey's first half header was the difference as the champions extended their lead at the top of the table to 23 points with one home fixture left to play.

Joe Warren came to the visitor's rescue on 12 minutes when he made a miraculous one handed stop low to his left to prevent Charlie Rutter from giving Ilminster the lead.

Midway through the first half, Ilminster thought they'd gone in front, but this time the referee's whistle rightly denied them, after Alex Paul's foul on Warren in the goalmouth.

On 31 minutes, Greg Turner's long free kick was spilled by the home keeper under pressure from Carl Tucker, leaving Horsey with the task of heading into the unguarded net for the opener.

The visitors ended the half the stronger and Max Cushing's long range strike hit the outside of the post with the keeper beaten, before Lance Turner's free kick was collected well by the home goalkeeper.

The hosts began the second half strongly, with their direct style of play difficult to defend against.

Centre forward, Paul saw his header go wide on 59 and Horsey got a vital touch to a deep cross moments later to send the ball away for a corner.

The home side, who ended the reverse fixture in January with 9 men, then received a series of cautions in quick succession as their discipline deteriorated.

Middlezoy held on to claim three more points and are now in an excellent position to finish the season unbeaten with a home game against Congresbury on Saturday their one remaining fixture.

Rovers: Warren, Brown, STurner, Horsey, LTurner, Tucker (Male), Prescott, Smith, GTurner (Bone), Williams (Cowd), Cushing.