Title-chasing Saltford finished with just nine men as they suffered a major setback with a 5-1 defeat away to Timsbury Athletic.
After a competitive first half with the sides level, the second half proved disastrous for the visitors, with a buoyant Timsbury taking full-advantage. Timsbury took the lead after just five minutes, when the impressive Rhys Cook found Ellis Hancock, who finished clinically. Ten minutes later, however, Saltford were level. The dangerous Harry Neil had his shot parried by Jack Scrivens, but Chris Maggs was on-hand to steer the ball in.
Another centre from Neil flashed across the goalmouth, but no-one was on hand to get a touch. A searching free-kick from Jesse Bishop caused mayhem in the visitors’ area, but was cleared with difficulty, while a long-range effort from Maggs was easily held by Scrivens. Cook then broke clear for Timsbury but shot over. The home side started the second half as they had the first, with a goal after just five minutes. A fine shot from Toby Nielson flew past Wesley Taynton in the Saltford goal. Cook had another clear chance to increase the lead but his shot was blocked.
The game grew increasingly feisty, and Saltford’s captain and leading-scorer, David Pollinger, became the first of the visitors to be shown a red card. Jack Neil came close to equalizing with a shot that went inches past the post, before Harry Neil was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The home side stepped up the pressure, and after Taynton had done well to deny Cook, Timsbury scored their third. Cook was brought down in the box and the same player hammered home the resulting penalty. The influential Cook then crossed for Jimmy Hailston to add a fourth, and right on time, Cook set up Ebner Heatley to make it 5-1.
Malcolm Tucker