Radstock Town welcomed Bristol-based side, Hengrove Athletic last Saturday, who have had a good start to the season, sitting above Radstock in the table. The team made one change ahead of the game, with Radstock forward, Jamie Mines dropping to the bench, replaced by Aidan Kirby.

Radstock Town started very brightly playing the ball around nicely, however, they just lacked the finishing touches in and around the area. The first notable chance came with a one-two between Aidan Kirby and Simon Millard. The latter found a way in, but couldn’t find the finish to match the build-up play. Radstock continued to press and forced numerous set pieces which saw headers over from Captain, Tom Stocks and Jack Metcalf.

Radstock Town nearly broke the deadlock with a well-worked set piece, forcing a goalmouth scramble which saw Ryan Child’s goalbound effort cleared off the line.

Hengrove created a couple of half chances from free kicks given away in the Radstock half. However, they were either headed over the Radstock goal or easily dealt with by the Radstock defence. Radstock Town then created another chance with quick passing between Luke Ingram, Tom Pawley and Martin Lenihan, but again, the Hengrove defence managed to clear the ball off the goal line. The half-time score was 0–0.

The second half was very much the same as the first half, Radstock Town dominated in possession and Hengrove kept all eleven men behind the ball, hanging on for a draw. Radstock created chances, with Simon Millard getting in behind the Hengrove defence, but good goalkeeping stopped Simon adding to his season’s goal tally. Aidan Kirby then got in behind the full back, but he could not get his shot away. The game opened up with fifteen minutes left, but both sides lacked finishing quality.

Goalkeeper, Dan Tamblyn, then produced a good save down to his right to protect Radstock from falling behind. Radstock did have a glorious chance to win the game when a fine delivery into the box only required a touch from the on-rushing Jamie Mines, however, Jamie couldn’t quite get to the ball and it flashed across the goal to safety.

Radstock brought substitute, Liam Planter, into the game and his long throw into the box was causing chaos, however it wasn’t to be Radstock’s day and they had to settle for a point.

Speaking about the match, the Management Team said: “We played very well today, however, the team just lacked the finishing touch. We are delighted with the way we dealt with the physical presence of Hengrove Athletic, as we managed to match them and cope with it, which wouldn’t have happened a couple of weeks ago.

“There are a lot of positives to take from the game, as we created a lot of chances and possession, pinning our opponents back for long periods. The defensive side of our game has improved over the last couple of performances and it is pleasing to get a clean sheet. It’s disappointing not to have won the game, but we now move onto Wednesday away at Chard.”

Radstock Town also played last Wednesday evening, winning 3–1 against Devizes Town FC.

Scott Armstrong