Somerset County League Premier Division
Middlezoy Rovers 2, Nailsea & Tickenham 1

MIDDLEZOY Rovers completed their season with a fine win over third-placed Nailsea & Tickenham, cementing fifth place in the Premier Division table.

Visitors Nailsea had the chance to complete the double over Zoy, having won the reverse fixture 2-0, but it was the home side who had the last laugh.

The game started at a high pace that was going to be difficult to maintain in the hot weather

The away side started on top and gave the hosts little chance to get into their passing game.

Charlie Lintell cut inside to fire high and wide on two occasions when he could have done better. 

Just as Zoy were growing into the game they were hit by a sucker punch on 29 minutes, as a well-judged pass eluded Jake Horsey at centre-back, and an early strike from James Potts left Greg Turner with little chance as the ball found the bottom corner.

Conceding seemed to ignite the hosts into digging a little deeper, and on 30 minutes a strong challenge by Potts on Horsey brought a straight red card that changed the game.

Nailsea dropped in and formed a good defensive shape; it was obvious they had been coached on how to defend when winning and being down to 10 men.

Zoy huffed and puffed for 15 minutes with no success, so trailed 1-0 at the break.

The second half started in perfect fashion for the hosts, as on 54 minutes some great hold-up play by Craig Wight and a pinpoint delivery by Alex Male set up Jamie Temlett to score from close range.

The home side introduced some fresh legs with 30 minutes left, in the shape of Adam Long and Andy Smith, and began to move the ball quicker.

Turner was called into action on 80 minutes, the goalkeeper making himself big to deny the lone striker and keep the game at 1-1.

As the game seemed to be drifting towards a draw, a move that involved all the players ended with Dan Luce picking the ball up out wide, 45 yards from goal.

He skipped inside three challenges to unleash a ‘rip-snorter’ of a right-footed drive from 25 yards that flew across the opposition keeper and rattled around the goal as it settled in the net, to give Middlezoy a 2-1 win in the 89th minute.

That sparked crazy celebrations for a great result and goal, to end a season of progress.

Man of the match: Dan Luce

South West Women’s League 
Premier Division 
Middlezoy Rovers Ladies 2, Exeter City Ladies 3

MIDDLEZOY Ladies went down to defeat at home on Sunday, having twice been in the lead.

The home side started well and went ahead after five minutes, when Anusia Rourke latched onto a through ball and smashed the ball past the keeper.

But the lead didn’t last long, as Exeter equalised after 10 minutes through Northern Ireland international Jana Richards.

The game continued to be very even, played in very hot conditions, with both sides having chances. 

It was Middlezoy who took the lead, though, just before half time, as Sarah Carling found the net after a ball over the top of the Exeter defence.

The visitors came out very strongly after the break and after 55 minutes they again levelled the scores. 

Zoy goalkeeper Faye Edwards got a hand to the ball but it went in off the post.

Things got worse after 65 minutes when Abi Payne brought down an Exeter forward in the penalty area, and Richards took the kick to complete her hat-trick.

Zoy came back well and threw everything they could at the Exeter defence, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

There were strong shouts for a penalty for the hosts in stoppage time when a shot from Rourke hit the arms of a defender in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.

Middlezoy were well worth a point, and it was disappointing that their recent winning run came to an end.

Next week Zoy Ladies take on Buckland Athletic Ladies, who were crowned Premier Division champions on Sunday and are yet to drop a point this season. 

It will be a tough ask, and will take place again at the College (2pm).