PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH | REVIEW

A round-up of the action

There’s an exciting battle developing at the top of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South.

Leaders, Frome Town, were held to a goalless away draw at ever-improving Exmouth Town, whilst Wimborne Town moved level on points at the top following a hard-earned 2-1 victory over lowly Paulton Rovers, who went ahead early on through Leo Eglin. The hosts levelled through Jonathon Stuttle on the half-hour mark and then had to wait until nine minutes from time to win it courtesy of Connor Cocklin.

Getting back into winning ways were Cribbs as they went to Bashley and came home with a 3-0 triumph to remain on the coat-tails of the top two. Harris Feltham put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot before Bailey Croombe doubled the lead in the opening exchanges of the second period. Jacob Brown added a third just after the hour-mark to complete a commanding victory.

Yate Town are back in the play-off places after they beat Willand Rovers 3-0 with Calum English-Brown setting them on their way early on before Nick McCootie made it two just before the break. Joe Guest weighed in with the third goal midway through the second half.

They took the place of Bishops Cleeve in the top five after they conceded a stoppage time goal to lose 1-0 at home to Bideford, for whom Finn Roberts was the hero. Larkhall Athletic also remain on the fringes of the play-offs as their impressive recent form continued with a 1-0 victory over Mousehole as Archie Ferris notched the all-important goal.

A Levi Steele hat-trick helped Evesham United get back into winning ways with an entertaining 5-3 victory over Melksham Town. Amer Awadh set the home side on their way early on, but the lead lasted barely two minutes before Elliot Haffenden levelled. Steele got a quickfire double but moments later Samuel Hendy reduced the arrears and Albert Hopkins sent the sides in at the break level.

It took until nine minutes from time for any further addition to the scoreline as Alfie Dunn put the hosts back in front and then Steele rounded things off to complete his hat-trick and secure three points.

A double from Jordan Annear made it two wins in a row for Malvern Town as they overcame the challenge of Tavistock with a 2-1 triumph. Annear opened the scoring just past the half-hour mark only for Ed Harrison to equalise with 15 minutes to go. The winner eventually arrived in the final minute.

The days’ other game saw Bemerton Heath Harlequins share the spoils with Westbury United in a 1-1 draw. Callum Demkiv’s first half opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Ronan Clancy with just over 20 minutes left on the clock.

IMAGE: @GerryHunt19