Uhlsport Somerset County League
Premier Division
Fry Club 1, Middlezoy Rovers 2

MIDDLEZOY started the new year with a long trip to fellow high-flyers Fry Club, looking to continue their good form.

As expected, the game started at high pace.

It was Zoy who managed to take an early lead when a brilliant ball from Adam Long found Andy Smith at the far post for him to head past the onrushing goalkeeper while under pressure from two defenders.

The visitors were finding a lot of success from wide areas and could have extended their lead from two more Long crosses that just evaded Zoy players.

Dan Luce then chased down what looked like a lost cause to put the keeper under pressure, resulting in the ball breaking to Aaron Whaites - it looked like he was brought down for a penalty, only for the referee to wave away the appeals.

As the half went on, Fry Club began to grow more into the game and were looking the more likely to score next.

They duly equalised when a corner was only half cleared and found its way to the unmarked home captain at the back post for him to acrobatically smash home.

It remained 1-1 until half-time and the second half continued as a tight contest that could have gone either way.

The best chance of the game fell to Alex Male as he nearly restored Zoy’s lead, breaking through three tackles before bringing a superb save out of the keeper.

The game looked as though it was heading for a draw as both sides were defending well, with very little being created by either side.

If there was going to get a winner it would be from a set-piece, and that proved the case with five minutes to play.

A long throw from Charlie White was flicked on and fell into the path of Charlie Lintell, whose first-time, left-footed effort beat the helpless keeper.

For the final five minutes Zoy soaked up the home pressure as they probed for an equaliser.

The hosts felt they should have had a late penalty for handball but appeals were waved away as Zoy saw the game out for another important three points.

Man of the match: Andy Smith & Johnny Higgins

Zoy’s win kept them second and they face another big game this Saturday, at home to third-placed Clevedon United (2pm).

***

MIDDLEZOY Rovers Ladies won 2-0 at home to Bideford on Sunday, to move up to sixth place in the South West Women's Premier Division.

Georgia Coles and Sarah Carling got the goals for Zoy, who travel to fifth-placed Bishops Lydeard this Sunday (2pm).