In the Mid-Somerset League’s Somerset Intermediate Cup, Victoria had a good 2–0 home win against the favourites in the competition,

Wembdon. Bath Villa went away to Nether Stowey Tigers and it took extra time to sort the result out in favour of the visitors, 3–2.

Belrose won away to South Park Rangers on penalties, 4–3. Old Crown could not add to the league’s teams getting through to the last eight,

losing away to Ash Rangers 2–0. Because of frozen pitches, there are still games to be played and the league could have as many as six teams in the Quarter-Finals.

The game of the day involved two teams who had not lost in the league this season, Somer Valley versus Peasedown Albion. The game was brought to life when Somer’s Jon West-Gaul fired in an unstoppable shot from 25 yards, giving the visitors’ goalkeeper, Jason Carter, no chance.

It stayed 1–0 to the home team until nearly half-time. Tom Pielesz, Peasedown’s number ten, found a rare bit of space in the home team’s defence to fire a fierce shot inside the post, bringing the teams level at the break.

With very few chances created by both teams in the second half, the game looked as if it was going to end in a 1–1 draw. After a forced Somer substitution when

influential midfield player, Fran Moon, had to go off, injured Peasedown’s Pielesz rose above everyone from a free kick to head the ball inside the post and although the home team’s young keeper, Steve Wilkinson got a hand to the ball, he couldn’t keep the ball out of the net. A great game puts Peasedown in pole position now to

win the league after this hard-fought 2–1 win.

There were only three other games played because of frozen pitches. Wells A and Mells played out a 1–1 draw and Wessex scored six away against Pilton Reserves with goals coming from Oliver Walby (2), Luke Ayres, Tom Bulmer, Luke Lang and substitute, Charlie Chinnock. Farrington at home beat Purnell A 4–1, the visitors’ consolation goal was scored by Danny Sheppard.

Before the games began the Referee’s Awards were presented by Sara Box, widow of the late Mark Box. Mark was a very popular referee for the Mid-Somerset League. Brian Bishop won the Level 5 Award and new referee, James Callow, picked up the Level 7 Award.

The Referee’s Awards are determined by the marks given by teams to the official on the day of the game.

Bryn Hawkins