Somerset County Premier

Shirehampton 0, Middlezoy Rovers 4

MIDDLEZOY travelled to Shirehampton on Saturday looking to continue their fine run of form with just the one defeat in nine games.

On a bobbly pitch, it was difficult for either side to play much football as Shirehampton’s more direct approach looked like it may cause a few issues.

However, Jake Horsey and Tom Brown dealt with the Shire strike force - which included the league’s top scorer - well and limited them to only half chances.

As Zoy began to get used the pitch they grew into the game and were finding lots of space in wide areas.

With 10 minutes gone, Zoy won a corner that was delivered by Dan Luce on to the head of Callum Laird to head home unmarked six yards out.

A further Luce corner minutes later created a goalmouth scrabble where Horsey and Liam Winter both had efforts blocked on the line from close range as Zoy looked for a second goal.

As the half went on, Shire grew back into the game and should have been level when a ball in from the left was met six yards out but, luckily for Zoy, was headed over.

Zoy managed to get the important second goal their opening half possession and chances deserved as Alex Male fed Jed Williams through to tuck the ball under the keeper and give his side a 2-0 lead going into half-time.

It didn’t take Zoy long to further their lead in the second half as Williams broke down the left and cut the ball back to Luce who was able to turn his man and fire home across the keeper to give his side some breathing space.

Zoy were now in full control as they attacked with pace and purpose, creating numerous chances for Adam Long and Winter however neither could find the net.

The fourth goal did come on the hour as the lively Williams finished off another flowing Zoy move.

Shire never really looked like getting back into the game despite having a couple of chances for a consolation goal, but Zoy defended well with Greg Turner in goal not really having a save to make in the second half.

MOM: Dan Luce

County League Division 3

Middlezoy Res 4, Congresbury 0

MIDDLEZOY were looking to get their promotion push back on track and, from the first whistle, their intent was to play and pass past their opponents.

The midfield duo of Tucker and Morgan dictated play and were helped out by Capel making tackles when the play broke down.

Zoy were rewarded for all their possession and deserved the lead in the 20th minute as Craig Wright’s corner was headed in by the ever-impressive Lee Graham.

Hall, Morgan, Lismore and Wright went close to increasing the lead but it remained 1-0 at the break.

Zoy increased their lead through the hard work of Hall, Tucker, Morgan and Capel, whose shot was parried out to Wright, who made no mistake.

And they didn’t have to wait long for the third as panic in the defence led to a sliced clearance from the keeper and Wright was on hand to smash the ball home.

Zoy’s defence came under pressure but held out well and man-of-the-match Steve Hall finally scored the goal he deserved as he was played through and chipped the keeper.

They have no game next weekend but the following week have a massive game against Hutton, who are also fighting for promotion.

MOM: Steve Hall

South West Women’s League Premier Division

Ilminster Town Ladies 3, Middlezoy Ladies 0

ILMINSTER tried to craft some early chances against their familiar opponents, nearly getting in behind a couple of times in the opening exchanges, but they couldn’t quite find the back of the net.

Perhaps the best chance of the opening 10 minutes fell to young Abbie Carslake, but her effort just went wide.

Ilminster did break the deadlock in the 16th minute through this season’s top goal scorer Maisie Parker, who was in the right place to convert Colette Martin’s goalbound drive.

The remainder of the first half was much the same, with Ilminster nearly extending their advantage on numerous occasions, but it remained 1-0 until the break.

Ilminster came out the blocks with intent again but Middlezoy had also stepped their game up and were starting to cause Ilminster some problems, but the visitors were yet to test Charlotte Johnson in goal.

It took until the 70th minute for the crucial next goal in this contest, and it came courtesy of Ilminster skipper Sarah Miller for her second of the season.

A great piece of play from Graziely Esperanca saw her gain five yards of space in the box following an excellent turn and a lovely pull back towards the edge of the area was perfect for Miller to run onto and strike calmly home.

Ilminster kept the pressure up and managed a third goal in the final minute.

A super ball in behind the Middlezoy defence from Lesley Spearing saw Maisie Parker in on goal – she still had a lot to do but produced a great lob which found its way into the top left hand corner.

Ilminster did go close to a fourth moments later, when a wonderful move ended with Charlie Pettinger hitting the post.

Player of the match was Graziely Esperanca for her work rate up front; some great hold up play and individual work which also created a goal.