Somerset County League
Premier Division
Middlezoy Rovers 5, Staplegrove 1

AFTER an opening day win at Stockwood Wanderers, Middlezoy's first home game of the new season saw them put local rivals Staplegrove to the sword on Wednesday evening.

After a cagey first five minutes, the game had everything you would expect from a derby – goals, bookings, head injuries and both teams giving 100 per cent.

Zoy made the breakthrough after 10 minutes, when a Charlie Lintell cross from the right fell nicely to Jamie Temlett at the far post, and his miscued shot fell perfectly for Steve Hall to score from eight yards out.

The remainder of the first half was defined by the midfield battle, with both sides putting in strong tackles and neither creating many clear chances.

But with 10 minutes to go until half time, home centre-back Shaun Turner suffered a nasty head injury which resulted in a long stoppage and a substitution.

Zoy seemed unsettled, and Grove equalised when a long ball forward was missed by goalkeeper Greg Turner, and Luke Desave tapped into an empty net.

The game remained closely contested after the interval, until the visitors gifted Zoy their lead back.

From a corner Max Cushing was fouled when posing little danger to the goal, and Andy Smith powered home the penalty to put his side ahead with 30 minutes left.

The hosts then introduced Jed Williams, and his pace and trickery on the wing caused Grove all kinds of trouble.

Indeed it was Williams who made it 3-1, getting in behind the defence and slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper, and the fourth goal arrived soon after as Hall headed a looped effort over the keeper for his second of the game.

The impressive Hall was involved in the final goal of the night too, as he put in a delightful ball for Craig Wright to head home at the far post.

With two wins from two, Zoy lead the Premier Division table ahead of tomorrow's home match with Fry Club (ko 3pm).