BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY | DIVISION ONE SOUTH REVIEW

Title battle to go down to the wire as two play-off spots to be confirmed

Bank Holiday Monday and it’s fair to say that there has been a lot going on across all four of our divisions!

In the Pitching In Southern League Division One South there was drama at the top as Yate Town went back into pole position following their commanding 3-0 win at Bristol Manor Farm where Lucas Tomlinson, Daniel Dempsey and James Taylor got the goals, whilst Evesham United fell to a stoppage time defeat to Bishops Cleeve who clinched their play-off spot thanks to Ross Langworthy’s late goal.

Behind them the battle it on for the two remaining play-off spots with four clubs still in contention going into the final day of the season. Currently holding the two places are Malvern Town, whose impressive form since the turn of the year continued as they comfortably beat already-relegated Cinderford Town by four goals to nil thanks to second half goals from Harry Clark, who notched two, Jack Watts and Joe Bullock, and Mousehole who slipped to fifth place after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Cornish rivals, Falmouth Town. Tim Nixon’s early opener for the hosts was cancelled out by a penalty in first half stoppage time from leading scorer, Rubin Wilson.

Just outside the play-off zone and hoping for slip-ups are Exmouth Town, who have regained their form and beat Helston Athletic 2-0 thanks to second half goals from Ace High and Tom Bath, and Bemerton Heath Harlequins who lost 1-0 at Bashley.

With considerably worse goal difference, the defeat for Helston Athletic condemns them to fourth from bottom as Larkhall Athletic survive following their 2-2 draw at Shaftesbury where Will Merrett set the away team on their way only for the hosts to level straight away through Luke Burbidge. A goal from Sam Boulton towards the end of the opening period put the visitors back in front but Luke Delaney restored parity with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Elsewhere, Didcot Town left it late to beat already-relegated Thatcham Town as Zach Scott got the only goal of the game five minutes from time. Tavistock AFC ran out 3-1 winners over another side who have already had their fate confirmed, Cribbs. Tyler Elliott opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Liam Prynn added to his tally early in the second half. Jack Crago sealed the win before Spike Weaver grabbed a late consolation effort for the away team.

It’s been a positive Easter weekend for Bideford AFC as they scored four times for the second game in a row as they beat Willand Rovers 4-2. Quickfire goals from Alex Moyse and Javan Wright put them in the driving seat before Finn Roberts and Scott Robinson scored after the break. Their opponents hit two late goals through Harvey Dorothy and Olly Crisp.

Finally, Westbury United and Melksham Town played out a 1-1 draw as Henry Sady’s first minute opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Bevan Cross.

IMAGE: Yate Town FC