FOOTBALL: Bridgwater Town Reserves defeat Shirehampton in Somerset County League

BRIDGWATER Reserves went into Saturday’s game on the back of three consecutive defeats – the latest a 5-1 loss at Clevedon United – and the challenge of beating Shirehampton for the first time since their dramatic penalty shootout win in the Somerset Premier First Division Cup Final back in May 2015.

Town were forced to make many changes to their shape, positions and personnel due to Josh Lewis, Adam Long, Jamie Howson, George Sinnott, Matt Redman, Andy Venning, Ash Tandy, Ollie Hucker and Ashton Granter all being unavailable.

The home side started brightly, putting Shirehampton under pressure in their own third and opening up opportunities down the flanks for Will Sneddon-Combes and Scott Merritt.

Town capitalised on their dominant start and scored after 18 minutes through stand-in captain Lewis Hembery.

The ball was switched from the right flank, out to Hembery at left-back, and he took two touches before rifling the ball into the net from 25 yards for his fifth goal of the campaign.

Shirehampton grew into the game, but Town’s back line were resilient and the midfield tight.

Defender Tyne Govier, deep inside his own half, then picked out Lee Villis’ run on goal, and he calmly lobbed the keeper to make it 2-0.

The second half featured more discipline from the home side, who continued to thwart Shirehampton’s efforts on goal.

The visitors had more shots on goal but debutant Paul Goss made some excellent saves.

Town had further chances to kill the game off, but 2-0 was enough.

Manager Dan Wright said: “It was a great afternoon for us to get our campaign up and running, especially against a strong Shirehampton.

“We have now set benchmarks for what can be achieved this season, starting with our first cup fixture away at Milborne Port on Saturday.”

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Somerset County League
Premier Division
Middlezoy Rovers 1, Chilcompton Sports 3

MIDDLEZOY Rovers had their fifth game in two weeks on Saturday, and lost their unbeaten record.

This followed Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw at home to reigning Premier champions Watchet Town, in which the hosts did most of the attacking, without creating many chances aside from a header from a corner that was cleared off the line.

Against Chilcompton, Zoy started brightly, but their deliveries into the box were poor.

They then had a huge penalty appeal turned down when a hand was used to push the ball away from Jed Williams, and things then went horribly wrong for Zoy, as Chilcompton hit three goals in 15 minutes.

The hosts battled back and finished the half the stronger side, but could not break down the visitors.

After the break, Zoy got the early goal they needed, through a Paul Stimpson header at the far post.

Although they had the majority of the play in the second half, they didn’t create enough chances to turn it around, and now sit sixth in the table.

This Saturday, Zoy host Odd Down Reserves in the first round of the Somerset Senior Cup (ko 2.30pm).

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Pre-season friendly
Portishead Ladies 0, Middlezoy Ladies 3

MIDDLEZOY Ladies warmed up for the start of their 2017/18 campaign on Sunday with a resounding win in their final pre-season friendly at Portishead.

The visitors made a bright start, which was rewarded when Rosie Williams made a smart turn and crashed an effort in off the underside of the bar to break the deadlock.

Chances kept on coming, but it was Williams again who extended the lead, as substitute Alexei Turner ran 40 yards with the ball before crossing for the striker to net from close range.

Turner then turned goalscorer, finishing from Sarah Carling's cross.

The second half was goalless, with the heat becoming a factor for both teams, but the away side were always comfortable in holding onto their lead.

On Sunday they host Marine Academy Plymouth in the FA Cup first qualifying round (ko 2pm).