Saints get back to winning ways

Street Res 1

Weston St Johns 4

SAINTS returned to winning ways in this scrappy Somerset County League Division 1 game against Street.

The game got off to an even start with both teams struggling to put any meaningful attacks together. Saints looked the more likely to score with Jack Clark, Mark Adams and James Wotton winning the midfield battle.

They opened the scoring when a Calum McManus pass sent Ross Stockhall running clear and he took the ball around the keeper before scoring. Just before half-time Ryan Hodrien missed a great chance and the half-time score remained 1-0.

Saints started the second half playing with more confidence with defenders Juzzy Flavell, Nick Jones, Mitch Smit and Andy Llewellyn looking comfortable at the back.

The score became 2-0 when a good move involving Clark and McManus ended with Stockhall firing past the keeper. Minutes later Saints made it 3-0 when McManus’ shot ricocheted off two defenders before falling to Stockhall to complete his hat-trick.

Street pulled a goal back and the goal gave Street a lift and Saints keeper Ian Allchorne had to save a couple of long-range efforts.

With only minutes to go, Stockhall got his fourth goal of the game when he fired a stunning strike past the keeper following a good run and pass from Clark.

Bookers Wholesale player of the match was Jack Clark.

Banwell 5

Burnham Utd 0

BANWELL continued their good run of form with this convincing win over Burnham United.

The hosts were in control from the start, with Matt Bebber, Steve Owen, Damien Thomas and Thomas Patrick all guilty of missing chances. Banwell were almost punished for the catalogue of misses when Adam Haysom was called into action and produced two top saves to spare Banwell’s blushes.

Burnham had their keeper to thank when he made three fine saves from Grubb and Bebber to keep his side in the game going into the break with the score line level.

The second half was a different affair will the visitors’ back line unable to withstand the constant pressure.

Grubb was brought down and Thomas’ free kick was parried by the keeper with Bebber on hand to finish. Thomas doubled the lead with a strike from 25 yards. McKeever was brought down on the edge of the area and Grubb scored from the free kick.

When a rare Burnham attack occurred, captain Tommy Owen was backed up by his defence of Jason Potter, Ash White, Chris Price and Haysom.

A McKeever corner ended with a rare Price goal putting the game out of reach for Burnham. The best was saved for last as Bebber beat two players and his cross was met with a fierce Thomas volley giving the hosts a 5-0 win.

Damien Thomas, Jason Potter and Dean Grubb were impressive, but it was Ash White who stole the S & S Carpentry man of the match award.

Banwell entertain Ashton and Backwell at the Riverside (3pm) on Saturday.

Langford Rovers 1

Ashton & Backwell 2

ROVERS conceded two goals in the closing 15 minutes to lose their 100 per cent start to the Somerset Premier League season, but still remain top.

Langford started brightly, forcing several corners and went close through Leigh White and Ryan Havard. The difference seemed to be Kyle Havard and Joe Ellis dominating midfield, and not allowing Ashton to play.

Rovers took the lead after 30 minutes, Levi Marlow climbing above the Ashton defence from a Kyle Havard corner and finishing neatly.

The second period saw the game open up. Rovers were penetrating out wide through Oli Bliss and White. Ryan Havard went close with a free kick before Marlow headed over from another cross.

With Harris, Marshman, Marshall and White looking solid in front of keeper Jamie Crandon, Rovers entered the last quarter managing the visiting threat well. Crandon cleared smartly on the edge of his area twice before White slipped whilst trying to clear, allowing Ashton to equalise.

A visiting midfielder then saw red for a reckless challenge on Bliss, before Ashton scored a last gasp winner.

Rovers visit Taunton Blackbrook on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways.