Rovers remain in contention

Langford Rovers 4

Berrow 2

ROVERS stayed in title contention with a good win over their chasing rivals.

Rovers started well and played some good football in the first half hour, using the width of Olly Bliss and Grant Giles.

They scored the opener when a run and low cross from Bliss was turned in by the impressive Levi Marlow on his return from injury. The second came soon after when a corner was only partially cleared to Giles who volleyed in from the edge of the area.

Seemingly cruising, Rovers then pressed the self-destruct button and conceded two goals in 10 minutes, the first from a set piece and the second a short range strike.

Manager Jamie Crandon brought on Ryan Havard for the second period, only for him to get sent off soon after. With backs to the wall, Rovers held firm with James Marshall particularly impressive.

Crandon then changed personnel and tactics again and it worked a treat. Ryan Harris made an immediate impact, crossing for Marshall to head in. Rovers capped a solid comeback in injury time when Leigh White flicked on a header for Bliss to tap home.

Rovers face another top side at home on Saturday when they entertain Cutters Friday.

Brislington Res 0

Weston St John 3

SAINTS returned to winning ways with two very good away wins against sides challenging them for promotion.

First up was a midweek game against Brislington. Saints’ defenders Alex Read, Dean Pierson, Dave Wilcox and Joe Whittaker were in top form and protected keeper Joe Malik from everything Brislington had to offer.

Saints gradually started to dominate the game with midfielders Mark Adams, James Wotton, Jack Clark and Ryan Hodrien controlling things. Saints took the lead just before half-time when Danny Sprague’s cross was powerfully headed home by Ross Stockhall to give Saints a 1-0 half-time lead.

Saints controlled the game for much of the second half and had a great chance to increase the lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Stockhall smashed the ball over the bar.

Saints soon made it 2-0 when Stockhall sent Clark racing clear and he fired the ball past the keeper. Saints continued to dominate with Matt Huxtable and Nick Jones causing the Brislington defenders problems and it was Jones who created the third goal by Rob Winter.

Mike Whittaker Building player of the match was Alex Read.

Larkhall Ath Res 1

Weston St Johns 2

SAINTS recorded their second away win in a week against a good Larkhall side.

The game was between two sides going for promotion and the victory kept Saints at the top of the table.

Saints were forced to play on the counter attack and Jack Clark had two good chances before Saints were awarded a penalty, but Ryan Hodrien’s spot kick was saved. Just before half-time, Saints were made to pay for their miss when Larkhall took the lead.

Saints came out fired up for the second half and with James Wotton, James Bennellick and Matt Huxtable winning the midfield battle, Saints began to take control.

Saints got the equaliser they deserved when a good move involving Stockhall and Hodrien ended with Wotton firing the ball past the keeper. Saints pushed forward in search of the winner and they were rewarded when Hodrien’s free-kick found the net.

Larkhall searched for an equaliser and the Saints’ goal led a charmed life as all their efforts flew wide and Saints held on for a 2-1 victory.

Mike Whittaker Building player of the match was Danny Sprague.

Combe St Nicholas 0

Wrington-Redhill 2

THE game of the day saw Wrington-Redhill travel to Combe St Nicholas, the teams only separated by goal difference at the top of Division 2.

Wrington started quickly with the home keeper pulling off fine saves from Cheeseman and Andow. With crosses flying in from Johnson and Tempan, it was only a matter of time before the visitors scored and it came from the head of Cheeseman.

His second came two minutes later, a close range strike as the home side struggled to clear their lines. It was now one-way traffic and Cheeseman was denied his hat-trick when his effort was handled on the line. Neil Andow’s penalty was well saved and the ten men were glad to hear the half-time whistle.

With a back line well marshalled by Lewis Vincent, Combe rarely troubled Saadi in the Wrington goal. Bombay Palace man of the match was Graham Cheeseman.

Wrington-Redhill entertain Ashton & Backwell Reserves at the Rec on Saturday (3pm). The club would like to thank Forton packaging, Bristol, and in particular Steve Cruse (director) for their sponsorship of the match ball for the game.