Timsbury Athletic collected their first points of the season in the Somerset County League Division One East with a hard fought 1–0 home win against Keynsham Town Reserves. A goal from Captain, Ross Padfield, after 26 minutes was enough to secure the much-needed victory.
The home side were on the front foot from the start and should have taken the lead after nine minutes when Jimmy Hailston broke clear. His first touch let him down, however, and keeper, Ben Nicholls, did well to parry his attempted lob. Mark Hancock then ballooned over the top after a testing cross from Jack Nix had caused Keynsham problems and Ellis Hancock saw a firm header from Padfield’s corner held by Nicholls.
When the decisive goal did come, it was well deserved. Mark Hancock crossed from the right and Padfield showed a deft touch in hooking the ball into the net. As Timsbury kept up the pressure, Hailston twice came close to increasing the lead, first heading wide from Padfield’s corner and then shooting narrowly wide from the acutest of angles. As half-time approached, Keynsham came more into the match, but Timsbury, in the form of Ben Hancock and Callum Taylor, were looking assured at the back and keeper, Ben Paisey, had a relatively comfortable first 45 minutes.
The visitors raised their game at the beginning of the second half and thought they had grabbed an early equalizer. A mistake from Ben Hancock had let Lewis Sealy in, but Paisey made a fine save only to see the rebound reach Pat Davidson. He headed home but the effort was ruled out for offside.
As Keynsham continued to press, leading scorer, Scott Brain, headed wide from a Cameron Sharney free-kick and Davidson shot past the post. At the other end, Padfield saw his free-kick saved by Nicholls, while Paisey did well to cut out a threatening cross from Mike Ware. In stoppage time, Shorney shot just over the bar for the visitors, but Timsbury held on for a crucial three points.
Ford Fuel Oils Man of the Match: Callum Taylor (Timsbury Athletic).
Malcolm Tucker