SOMERTON 2 TIMSBURY ATHLETIC 0
Timsbury were largely the architects of their own downfall, losing 2-0 away at Somerton in this Somerset County Division One match, in a game from which they probably deserved at least one point.
Playing with the advantage of both the slope and a strong wind meant that the early exchanges took place in the Somerton half. Bishop had an early shot from the edge of the box, tipped around the post by Somerton keeper, Haynes. Soon after, Heatley saw his free-kick from 25 yards rattle the crossbar, with the keeper well-beaten.
After ten minutes, Timsbury lost their influential midfield player, Hancock, to a calf injury, giving the Somerton team a chance to gain a foothold. Meadon had their first shot at goal, which flew wide, then a Scriven free-kick was easily saved by Phillips in the Timsbury goal.
Timsbury dominated possession without really looking like scoring. Then, on 25 minutes, they gifted the home side a chance to take the lead, when a mix-up on the half-way line led to Meadon running through on-goal, before being fouled on the edge of the box.
Scriven took the free-kick, which somehow ended up in the back of the net to make it 1-0. Timsbury tried to respond, but due to Somerton’s resolute defending, were restricted to shots from distance, which did not trouble the home keeper.
Despite playing into the wind in the second half, Timsbury continued to dominate, with the pace of Cook and Midgeley causing problems for the home defence. The game was delayed for a nasty clash of heads between Midgeley and Westlake, with both returning to the game heavily bandaged.
Despite the pressure on the home goal, Timsbury were thankful when a rare Somerton attack ended with a goal-line clearance from Hancock. Heatley saw his volley from the edge of the box fly inches over the bar, then a Cook goal-bound shot was deflected wide. Midgeley worked tirelessly, running at the home defence despite his earlier knock, and deserved better for his endeavours.
The game was summed up in the last five minutes, when a Taylor cross from the right was met by the head of Brooks, only see it hit the underside of the bar and bounce out to safety.
Then, with Timsbury throwing caution to the wind, they were caught on the break when a cross from the left found Brown unmarked at the far post to make the final score 2-0. Star Man of the Match: Chris Midgeley, Timsbury Athletic.
Rob Veater