The Easter weekend started with a terrific game at Paulton Rovers’ ground. It was the Final of the Paulton Hospital Cup between Bath Villa and Purnell Sports.
In front of over 300 spectators, the game flowed from end to end. Bath Villa broke the deadlock on 28 minutes, but before half-time, Purnell had levelled the score, 1-1.
In the second half, Bath Villa had a chance to increase their lead when awarded a penalty, but missed the target completely. The game looked as if it was heading for extra time, but Purnell had other ideas. At a breakaway, they secured the victory with a perfect cross and finish, winning the cup, 2-1.
The game was refereed and managed superbly well by Mark Vipond. Referees sometimes don’t get the praise they deserve, and he was assisted by Tony Philips, Johnathon Davis and seventeen-year-old Lucas Hawkins, who came on when Davis was taken ill.
Last weekend, a large crowd at Radstock football ground saw Jack Withers give Pilton Res the lead in the Wilmott Cup Final.
Mendip Rangers equalised through Jack Clift to make 1-1 from the penalty spot in the first five minutes of the second half, and they were then awarded another penalty, but from the kick the same player sent the ball crashing against the underside of the crossbar. Rangers won the cup in the last minute with a good headed goal from Ash Crowther.
In the Premier League, Frome Collegians needed one win from their last two games to win the League. They now have to wait until their last game against Westhill Sports next Saturday as they came unstuck at home losing to Bath Villa, 3-2.
Peasedown Albion Res rounded off their great season in the First Division with a 6-4 home win against Chew Magna Res. Getting the goals were Tom Pielesz (4), Henry Steeds and Harrison Nash. Albion had already won the League and the players were presented with their medals by the League’s Vice-Chairman, Ryan Grubb. The fight is on now for the runners-up spot between High Littleton, Evercreech and Chilcompton Res.
In the Second Division, Wessex has already won the League, with Belrose after their 2-1 win against Glastonbury, who are looking to secure the runners-up spot with a win in their last game away to Westhill Sports Res.
It’s going down to the wire in the Third Division, with Pilton Res, Frome Collegians and Mendip Rangers in the running for honours. Interesting games coming up.
Belrose’s 8-1 win against Farrington put them in the Final of the Morland Cup, which takes place this Friday, 3rd May at Shepton Mallet’s ground from 7.30 p.m. They will be up against Weston Bath, and another big crowd is expected.
It is now the time of the season when the Charity Cup rounds are played. Weston Bath had a very good 2-0 home win against Premier League opposition, Westfield Res, to meet Pilton United, who beat Wessex 3-1 away. Meanwhile, Bath Villa came out to face Peasedown Albion and went away with a very creditable 3-1 win. They will face Evercreech, who beat Coleford on penalties.
Bryn Hawkins