SAINTS returned to the top of the table with an important win over Ilminster, who are one of their biggest rivals for promotion.

Weston St Johns 2

Ilminster Town 1

SAINTS returned to the top of the table with an important win over Ilminster, who are one of their biggest rivals for promotion.

The game got off to a slow start with neither side threatening to score. Saints’ first chance came when Jack Clark sent James Wotton clear, but the Ilminster keeper made a good save. Just before half-time, a quick counter-attack by Mark Adams and Clark, saw Levi Marlow running clear of the Ilminster defence and he gave the keeper no chance with a good shot from the edge of the area.

Saints defenders Juzzy Flavell, Dean Pierson, Andy Young, Nick Jones and Ash Flavell had little to do, but a mistake led to an Ilminster striker having a clear shot at goal, but keeper Joe Malik pulled off a good save.

In the early stages of the second half, Ilminster were the better side pinning Saints back in their own half. They got a deserved equaliser when Malik spilled a low shot straight to an unmarked striker who tapped it into an empty net.

The setback kick started Saints into life and slowly they began to dominate. Juzzy Flavell had a powerful header disallowed and Ryan Hodrien saw a good effort well saved.

Saints’ winner was an outstanding individual effort by Juzzy Flavell who beat two defenders before curling a superb shot past the keeper and into the top corner of the net.

Moments later Hodrien hit a tremendous long range volley just wide of the post. Marlow and Clark both had chances to seal the win but their shots went wide.

Bookers Wholesale player of the match was Juzzy Flavell.

Banwell 0

Westland Ud 5

WESTLAND started well on Banwell’s bumpy pitch and had the ball in the net from a corner after two minutes only for the linesman to flag off-side.

Just before the break, Richie Powell’s deep cross found Steve Hales on the far post who headed home from close range.

Good work again from Powell managed to free Cory Thomas, who turned into the box and finished well. A mistake in the Banwell defence gifted Matt Parkinson the ball. He found Ian Leadbetter and his finish found the bottom corner.

Westland were now well on top and Leadbetter scored his second after the Banwell keeper was unable to hold Powell’s shot and Leadbetter completed his hat-trick on 76 minutes. Substitute Briffitt putting the ball through for a cool finish from the striker.

Wrington 0 Worle 0

THIS game was always going to b a close encounter with the two strongest teams going head to head.

Worle started off better with their flowing football with new signing Ollie Clements running midfield. Wrington did score, but it was ruled offside. Chances came to Worle, but they could not get it past Wrington’s strong defence. Clements hit the bar and Troy spooned his shot over.

The Worle defence of Potts, Brad and Conner were in good form throughout.