Two of the quickest goals ever seen at Timsbury Rec at the beginning of the first and second halves were ultimately enough to maintain the home side’s position at the top of the Somerset County League Division One East at home to Imperial.
Timsbury had chances to put the game to bed, but with just one goal between the sides, there was always a chance of a late Imperial equaliser.
Timsbury opened the score after just nine seconds of the match. In their first attack, Ellis Hancock struck a fine shot into the roof of the net for his 21st league goal of the season. The same player then put a free-kick well wide, while Jesse Bishop had a long range effort comfortably handled by Imperial keeper, Steve Sposito. Another fierce shot from Hancock was pushed around the post by Sposito, while at the other end, Jack Marks was well wide for the visitors.
After 33 minutes, Imperial equalised. Good work from Russ Milkins laid on the chance for John Spring who finished with precision past a helpless Ben Hancock. The keeper then cut out a dangerous cross from Rob Lucas in unorthodox fashion, as befits a player who has spent most of his career as a central defender, before saving comfortably from Chris Britton.
It took just 22 seconds of the second half for the home side to regain the lead, with Jesse Bishop hitting a crisp shot past Sposito. The dangerous Jem Lutwama came close to adding a third soon after, but struck his shot just wide. Rob Lucas tested Hancock with another dangerous cross, which the home custodian handled confidently. Liam Craze threatened for Timsbury with several good efforts, with Sposito coming to Imperial’s rescue with a fine save. A goalmouth scramble saw a goalbound shot from Matt Brooks cleared off the Imperial line before Lutwama shot over after linking well with Lewis Blannin. With time running out, Craig Sanders had a late chance for the visitors, but Hancock moved well to keep out his shot.