Last season’s runners–up, Timsbury Athletic, moved convincingly into the next round of the Somerset County League Knock-out Cup for Premier and Division One sides, with a comfortable 5–1 win over Wells City Reserves.
The game was spoilt as a spectacle by the strong wind, but after going two-up in the first six minutes, Timsbury never looked likely to lose the initiative.
Within a minute of the start, Rhys Cook found himself on the edge of the box, and the striker hit a fine shot past Josh Bond in the Wells goal. Five minutes later, the scorer turned provider, laying on Timsbury’s second goal for fellow striker, Jem Lutwama. Cook then came close to adding a third, but after bursting clear, shot wide.
Joe Kay was well-wide for the visitors with a free-kick, before Ellis Hancock shot over in another home attack. Wells were enjoying plenty of the ball but rarely threatened a goal, with Timsbury defending well. A great effort from Lutwama brought out a fine save from Bond, while at the other end, a speculative shot from Bailey Waterhouse was easily held by Timsbury keeper, Charlie Phillips.
Early in the second half, Lutwama struck the bar with a corner, and in the resulting melee, Ebner Heatley shot over. In another promising home attack, Chris Midgley chipped over the top, but the young forward – who had an impressive match – soon made amends, finishing with aplomb for Timsbury’s third goal.
Wells gave themselves a lifeline when Kay beat Phillips at the near post to make it 3–1, but Timsbury still continued to look the more likely, and Cook hit the post after going out wide. Bond saved well from Toby Neilson, but the teenager was not to be denied, scoring from close-range from another accurate Lutwama corner.
Matt Brooks hit the bar for the home side before Lutwama completed a satisfactory personal and team performance with a stunning left-foot shot that flew into the Wells net with two minutes left.
Star Man of the Match: Chris Midgley, Timsbury Athletic.
Malcolm Tucker