Rovers remain unbeaten in the league

Langford Rovers 2

Shirehampton 1

LANGFORD Rovers first big challenge after a good start to their season was at home to last year’s champions Shirehampton.

Rovers conceded an early goal, the visiting striker finishing well with an overhead kick. With Joe Ellis and Kyle Havard working hard in the middle, Rovers began to exert control and through Olly Bliss and Leigh White in particular, started to look dangerous out wide.

It was White who equalised from Ryan Havard’s through ball, neatly slotting between the keepers legs. Then came the defining moment of the match. Jamie Crandon’s precise kick found Havard who nodded infield to Bliss, who launched a blistering volley into the top corner.

The second period saw stalemate with the visitors having more possession, but Rovers looking dangerous on the counter attack. Levi Marlow, Havard and Ellis all went close, whilst at the other end Crandon dominated his area

Rovers held out resolutely for an excellent win, and continued their 100 per cent start to the season.

Nailsea Utd 2

Langford Rovers 4

ROVERS topped the table after an excellent win against another good side. With just one change from the previous game, consistency was the key as Rovers ran out 4-2 winners.

Rovers looked dangerous every time Kyle Havard was in possession, bringing brother Ryan and Levi Marlow into the game. Ryan Havard opened the scoring after a fine run and cross from Leigh White.

With Rovers in control the workload fell off, Nailsea began to pound the Rovers area and equalised on the half hour. Minutes later, Rovers fell behind and went into the break 2-1 down.

After the break, Langford were solid and used the counter attack to good effect. Crandon, Mark Brown, Adi Marshman, James Marshall and Leigh White were solid, which gave the platform for Havard to get his second from a fine Olly Bliss cross.

Joe Ellis’ trickery in the box 10 minutes later created a chance for Marlow. His powerful shot finding the back of the net. Crandon was again immense in goal before a final break from Grant Giles saw Ross Neads tap in at the far post to seal a good win.

Rovers travel to Glastonbury on Saturday hoping to make it six wins out of six.

Banwell 5

Westlands Utd 1

BANWELL went top of the table with an excellent team performance to take all three points in this local derby against Westlands.

The visitors deservedly took the lead with Richard Lloyd scoring from close range when Banwell failed to clear from a Callum Thompson corner.

Debutant Damien Thomas saw his 30 yard effort go narrowly wide of the post after some great approach play involving Dean Grubb and Mark McKeever.

The lead was short lived when Jason Potter’s through ball sent youngster Tom Patrick clear. His pace saw him beat Alex Reid and Thompson before beating the keeper. Patrick doubled his tally on 40 minutes finishing from close range after a McKeever set piece.

The second half was a different story with the hosts dominating the play. Potter, Ash White and Chris Price all put in solid displays at the back, while the midfield of Patrick, Bradley, Grubb, Tommy Owen and Ben Ferris passed the ball at will creating chances for Thomas, McKeever and Grubb.

Thomas missed from close range before scoring the hosts third, giving Cooper no chance in the Westlands goal.

Banwell had the luxury of Andy Hayes and Adam Abrahams as substitutes. Hayes dictated the play in midfield and Abrahams’ power and pace was too much for the Westlands back line and he score a brace, making the final score 5-1.

S & S Carpentry man of the match was the impressive Dean Grubb.

On Saturday, Banwell have their first away game at Portishead (3pm).