Ron's Match Reports
Les James League Cup Final Report sponsored by Braley Business Systems – By Jon Palmer (Gloucester Media)
Jake Davies’ second-half goal directly from a corner was enough to sink Taverners and seal the Les James League Cup for King’s Stanley.
Taverners, who endured a difficult season and face relegation to the Northern Senior League, missed a first half penalty and hit the bar before Stanley opened the scoring.
The two clubs met in the 2010 final and Taverners emerged victorious on that occasion. Despite their lowly County League position they started well at Southmead’s Pen Park ground.
Luke Bartlett directed a shot wide and Russell Chamberlain drew a save from Gavin Dean in the Stanley goal. Taverners were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute when Luke Barstow tugged the shirt of Chamberlain, who had done well to stay on his feet after an initial challenge. The normally reliable Jamie Bish stepped up, but scuffed his effort from 12 yards and Dean was able to gather it diving to his right.
It remained goalless at the break, but Dale Russell’s Taverners side went desperately close to breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute. Luke Bedwell crashed a header against the frame of the goal from a corner with Dean beaten. Stanley then pressed with Nick Humphreys lifting just wide, but the decisive goal arrived in the 62nd minute. Davies’ flag kick was swung in from the right and evaded Tavs goalkeeper Duane Portlock, nestling in the top left corner.
It was nearly 2-0 when Tom Pass’ lofted ball was reached by Ryan Stevenson, but he could not steer it inside the far post. A fine cross from Rory Gardiner was headed at Dean by substitute Tom Ind as Taverners tried desperately to grab a late leveller that would have taken the final to extra-time. Stanley almost killed them off when Humphreys neatly exchanged passes with Andy Roberts but his shot was driven into the side-netting. Some skilful play from Liam Gale saw him weave past two Taverners defenders, but his final effort was wide of the near post and Taverners always looked likely to create one more chance. It duly arrived in the dying seconds, but Danny Chandler blazed high over the bar from a good position and Stanley lifted the Cup.
KINGS STANLEY: G Dean; L Barstow, P Day, P Webster, T Pass, A Roberts, J Davies, S Robertson, B Newman (L Gale), R Stevenson (D Chandler), N Humphreys (A Maryon). Subs not used: S Prior, P Davies.
TAVERNERS: D Portlock; J Bish, R Davies, M Thornton, P Jennings, L Bedwell, C Hughes (J Richings), R Chamberlain, R Gardiner, L Bartlett (T Ind), J Blunt (O Portlock). Subs not used: D Lees.
Les James Cup 2013 - Kings Stanley V Taverners
Les James Cup 2013 - Kings Stanley V Taverners
Les James Cup 2013 - Kings Stanley
Les James Cup 2013 - Kings Stanley
Les James Cup 2013 - Kings Stanley Winners
18th May 2013 - Champions Longlevens sign off with win
After a very long season the last four league fixtures were completed with some excitement for Longlevens who have won the Championship in their second season in the league, but disappointment for two clubs Taverners and D.R.G. Frenchay who have finished in the bottom two and will be playing football in a lower league next season.
Longlevens Champions 2012-13.
Members of the Management Committee travelled to Longlevens to present the players with their Championship Cup and their individual trophies at the conclusion of the game.
The game itself was fairly even for the first twenty minutes with both sides trying to get the ball on the deck and play it about. The pitch was in excellent condition and although hard was flat and allowed both teams to pass the ball comfortably. The first effort on goal came from Frampton’s Mike Attwooll-Smart a twenty five yard shot that went over the bar. The home side went ahead on twenty seven minutes when the Frampton defence failed to get the ball out of the box and Shaun O’Connor hammered the ball into the corner of the net. A couple of minutes later Frampton were unlucky not to have leveled the score as the first goal bound shot was saved by keeper Craig Martin and then the ball was kicked off the line from the rebound. The home side was also a little unlucky in the thirty second minute as a tremendous drive from Scott Goodhall rebounded back into play off the upright. With just a minute to go before half time Frampton keeper Daniel Borg brought off a great save to deny Goodhall’s shot going in.
Six minutes into the second half it was O’Connor who created a shooting opportunity but blasted the ball over from the edge of the box. In the sixty seventh minute Frampton’s Frazer Wilson was sent off for two yellow card offences and from this point on the home side took control of the game. In the sixty third minute Borg saved really well to deny Lee Blackmore’s shot from going in and three minutes later Brad Martin broke past several defenders only to see his shot saved by the legs of Borg. In the seventy forth minute it was Borg to the rescue again as he finger tipped Adam Hughes shot over the bar. The way the game was progressing it was only a matter of time before the home side would score again and it came in the eightieth minute great individual goal from leading goal-scorer Shaun O’Connor breaking to the byline before slipping past several Frampton defenders to create a shooting angle to drive a fierce low shot past the helpless Borg. Ed Smylle wrapped up the scoring on eighty six minutes with another hard low drive that gave the Frampton keeper no chance. Mark Moore who had been out of the game all season after suffering cardiac arrest at Southmead in August came on for the last five minutes to a huge round of applause from the spectators.
Both Berkeley Town and D.R.G Frenchay needed a win to avoid the drop and both Clubs were at home for this last league fixture of the season.
There were no goals in the first forty five minutes at D.R.G Frenchay who were entertaining Rockleaze Rangers, but there had been three at Station Road Berkeley where the home side were playing Thornbury Town. Danny Thompson gave Thornbury the lead on twenty nine minutes with a great shot from the edge of the box and then two minutes later James Derosa rounded the keeper to make it two nil. Berkeley pulled one back in the forty fourth minute James Mackie rising high to head home a cross from the right. Berkeley then squandered a real opportunity to level just before the break. Thornbury really put the pressure on Berkeley when they took a three one lead on sixty two minutes Nathan Irwin heading home from a left sided cross.
Over at Frenchay the home side held out until the seventy second minute when Kye Simpson opened the score for Rangers cutting in from the flank before firing a low shot past Ashley Bryan, at this point even though Berkeley were losing D.R.G. would need to score to avoid the drop, as Berkeley hung on to their point advantage. A second goal on eighty minutes from Rangers Valentin Pomfret firing home after a scramble in the box meant that the home side would finish bottom of the table.
Henbury’s last game of the season was at home to Kingswood, with both teams going to finish in a mid-table position, It was the visitors who got off to a flying start, going a goal up after just two minutes Paul Bleaken lobbing the keeper. The score remained one nil until a minute into the second half when a great run from Stuart Rae down the flank sending over a deep cross to the far post where Ryan Mudd was waiting to knock the ball home. Ryan Innoles pulled one back for the home side on sixty five minutes with a neat chip over the keeper, but a third goal from Gavin Dibden who picked the ball up on the edge of his own box following a Henbury corner and then ran the length of the pitch to slide the ball home for a three one victory.
11th May 2013 - Thornbury take point at Bristol Academy
With the season coming to a close Longlevens are favorites to take the title after their 5-1 at Patchway, which means that they need just one point from their remaining two games to clinch it. Tuffley Rovers will finish Runners-up but were held to a 4-4 draw at home to Yate Town Reserves. Bristol Academy’s 1-1 draw at home to Thornbury Town finished their chances.
At the bottom end of the table there are three teams fighting to get out of the bottom two. Berkeley Town slipped back to bottom after a 3-0 defeat at Rockleaze Rangers, whilst D.R.G. Frenchay improved their chances of moving out with a 2-1 at home to Taverners. Taverners have just one game left to play where as D.R.G. Frenchay have three. It is going to be a very tight finish.
Bristol Academy’s hopes drifted away when they came up against a very youthful Thornbury Town side that deserved the point they earned from this game. A strong wind blowing straight down the pitch gave the visitors the momentum in the first half as they went into the break with a one goal lead. Thornbury used the conditions to their best advantage and Danny Thompson always looked dangerous near the edge of the box. It was his brother Steve Thompson who had the first effort on goal for the visitors a lob from the edge of the box that went over the bar after ten minutes. Thornbury were very unlucky not to have taken the lead on twenty five minutes as Tom Webb found space down the left to cross the ball back to the edge of the box for Danny Thompson to strike a tremendous shot at goal that Academy keeper Martin Horsell could only watch as the ball thudded against the upright and was cleared. In the thirty fourth minute a long ball over the home defence found Tom Webb and from just on the edge of the box he tried to lift the ball over Horsell but the keeper was sharp and plucked the ball from the air. The Academy’s only real chance on goal came in the forty third minute a well directed header from Alex Ball that was well saved by the visitors keeper Damian Freeman.
The Academy were a little out of sorts today and were not up to their usual swift passing game. Whereas Thornbury used the long ball well in the first half, the home side did not adapt very well to the same tactics. Academy’s Connor McCormack saw his shot clear the bar a minute into the second half and then it was the turn of Jordan Lawrence also lifting it way over the bar. Lawrence was on target again on seventy minutes with a rasping low shot from the edge of the box that Freeman got down well to save. Thornbury were hard pushed to keep the home side out but were managing very well until the seventy third minute when a ball was played through the centre of defence and Jake Jackson reacted quickly to run clear to slide the ball past Freemen. Town appealed for offside but the goal stood. Thornbury’s attacking force was minimal in the second half but Danny Thompson hit a great shot on target in the seventy eighth minute that had Horsell palming the ball in the air before grabbing it at a send attempt. In the last five minutes of the game the home side piled on the pressure and only a tremendous save by keeper Damian Freeman a couple of minutes from the end prevented Jake Jackson from grabbing the winner for the home side.
Longlevens have almost sealed the title with a resounding 5-1 win at Patchway Town. Longlevens had suffered two defeats in the week and made their chances of snatching the title a little tentative, but they showed what a good side they are with this win that could see then take the title in the next game. All the goals came in a hectic first forty five minutes with Longlevens opening the scoring on two minutes when Brad Martin slid the ball through to Dave Merrick to fire home. Craig Beaton then missed a good opportunity to increase the lead a couple of minutes later. The visitors were rampant and were two up after eight minutes this time Craig Martin set up his brother Brad to drive a low left foot shot into the net. Luke Kavanagh then set up Josh Westcarr for a shot on goal that was saved by the Patchway keeper James Kaminski but Brad Martin picked up the loose ball to chip it over the keeper for a three nil lead. The home side pulled a goal back on thirty one minutes with a great bit of skill from Luke Drew. The visitors were four one up on thirty eight minutes as the ball was knocked into the box there was an appeal for handball but it was eventually headed home by Ed Smylle. Longlevens made it five one on forty two minute with a cross into the box from Brad Martin that was headed home by Joss Westcarr. There were several more chances for both sides in the second half but there were no further goals.
Ellwood managed to find the net on three occasions in their home game with Kingswood after failing to score in the last two matches. Darryl Addis opened the scoring on twenty minutes and ten minutes later brother Jamie Addis netted the first of his brace for the afternoon. With Jamie Addis getting his second on forty two minutes the home side looked well in command by the break. The second period should have brought more goals for Ellwood but they failed to beat Chris Fox in the visitor’s goal who had a tremendous game throughout.
D.R.G. Frenchay gained revenge for their two nil defeat to Taverners in midweek with a two one victory that lifted them off the bottom of the table. Taverners went into the break with a one nil lead after Dave Woodfield had put them ahead in the thirty fifth minute. Two goals in the last ten minutes the first from the penalty spot scored by James Kenway on eighty minutes leveled the score and then Mike Conner headed the winner for the home side in the last minute of the game.
Rockleaze Rangers condemned Berkeley Town to bottom spot with a three nil home win at Coombe Dingle. Rob Edwards volleyed home a great corner from Shane Budding after ten minutes and they should have been two up five minutes later but Pete Newton-Smith blasted the ball over from three yards with the goal at his mercy. The home side did however increase their lead on twenty six minutes when Rob Edwards put Kye Simpson clear to dink the ball past Mason for his sixth goal in three games. Pete Newton-Smith made up for that early glaring miss in the seventieth minute when he swiveled on a cross that had been hit into the box. Berkeley struggled to get in the game throughout and almost went four down on eighty one minutes when Rob Edwards’s header hit the bar.
Tuffley Rovers finished of their season with a four – four draw at home to Yate Town Reserves. They are currently still top of the table but could finish up as runners-up depending on the Longlevens two results in their last two games. Rovers opened the scoring just two minute before the break through Mark Wallington, but then two minute later right on half time Jake Pettit made it two nil. Jack Parker pulled a goal back for Yate on fifty one minutes only for Shane Bradley to head Rovers into a three one lead on fifty six minutes. Yate’s Joe Guest netted a second on sixty four minutes but a minute later Shane Bradley restored the two goal lead for Rovers. The visitors hit back with a third goal from Scott Robson who broke through the home defence in the seventy third minute, then in the very last minute of the game Scott Robson latched on to a long ball aver the home defence to score the fourth for Yate and level the score.
6th May 2013 - Tuffley win match of the day
Match of the day was undoubtedly the clash between the two Gloucester sides who; at the start of the day were in first and second place in the table. On the sunniest and warmest day of the season so far 202 spectators that turned up to watch were treated to a splendid game of football from both sides. Longlevens who were the leader at the start of the match were probably favorites to win this tussle having lost only once in 20 odd games. Tuffley Rovers recent form has been unpredictable over the last few games.
Tuffley Rovers came out with all guns blazing and hit the home side hard taking a three goal lead in the first twenty seven minutes. Rovers pushed the home defence onto the back foot and took a deserved lead on eight minutes when Mark Wallington’s shot from just inside the box was well saved by Aaron Taylor but the ball ran loose and Dorian Colling was on it like a flash to square it back across goal for Warren Mann to slide the ball home. It was Dorian Collings turn to get on the score sheet just three minutes later from a long ball out of defence that caught the home defence out and Colling broke clear on the right side of goal was caught by a home defender but turned back inside and drove the ball home at the near post.. In the twenty sixth minute Dorian Collings shot from the edge of the box rattled the Longlevens crossbar and within a minute Colling netted the third goal for Rovers as he bundled the ball in from inside the six yard box. Dorian Colling was creating allsorts of problems for the home side with his pace and his persistent harassing of the home defenders. The home side found it difficult to muster any attacks and their first attempt on goal came in the thirty eighth minute, a cross come shot from wide out on the right from Brad Martin that had keeper Chris Perks at full stretch. Just before the break Colling was on target again this time from a corner from the left that he flicked off the side of his head only to see Taylor flip the ball over the bar.
Seven minutes into the second half the home side pulled a goal back when the ball found Brad Martin unmarked on the left side of the box and the striker hit a powerful low shot across Perks into the far corner of the net. the home side looked more determined in the second half and almost got a second on fifty nine minutes as a long ball into the box was misjudged by Richard James and Scott Woodhall nipped in behind and got his shot on target but failed to beat Perks, if he had looked up the option to pass across goal might just have got them a second goal. Tuffley increased their lead on sixty three minutes a corner from the right was hit to the far post it was head back across goal then headed away but it fell straight to Dorian Colling to fire the ball into the far corner from just inside the box to complete his hat-trick. The home side persevered and made it 4-2 on seventy minutes after a break down the right the ball was lid back to Craig Beaton who curled a sweet left cross to the far post for Brad Martin to power his header past Perks. Substitute Andy Trout should have scored a third for the home side on seventy seven minutes, but with a clear shot on goal hit it straight at the keeper. In time added Shaun O’Connor saw his brilliantly hit shot on target finger tipped over by keeper Chris Perks. Rovers are three points clear and have one game left to play. The ball is in Longlevens court for they have four games left to play and will need to win at least two to stand a chance of winning the title.
At the bottom end of the table thing are very tight for the three teams battling it out to avoid possible relegation. The only team to pick up a point today was D.R.G Frenchay who went a goal down at home to Kings Stanley when Andy Maryon latched onto a back pass in the seventy fifth minute. Joe Galsworthy popped up to save the day with a goal just five minutes from the end to avoid another defeat.
Taverners remain third from bottom after a 1-0 defeat at Henbury. Both teams battled hard and Taverners were unlucky to leave with nothing for their efforts, but a single goal in the thirty fourth minute from a Ben Sandle corner that was helped on at the near post by Ryan Innoles and headed in at the far post by Eddie Howell saw Henbury take the three points. Kingswood dented Berkeley Town’s survival hopes with a 2-1 victory in their last game at home this season. Richard Wyse gave the home side the lad on twenty minutes following up a rebound from a previous shot that the visitor’s keeper could only parry. Berkeley gave away a penalty on forty minutes a foul on Gary Simmons by Pete Lavis who received his second yellow card and then a red to reduce them to ten men for the next fifty minutes. Leonard Miller netted the resulting penalty. Berkeley pulled a goal back on eighty minutes from a free kick hit long to the far post for James Mackie to head home.
Patchway Town’s inconsistency continues when they were beaten at home by Bishops Cleeve Reserves by one goal to nil. There had been chance from both sides to score during the game and the nearest the home side came to scoring was in the thirty fifth minute when Matt Davies’s effort was cleared off the line. The only goal came three minutes into time added at the end of the game a lucky goal which came off the knee of Dan Beale after James Kaminski had saved the first shot on goal.
Chipping Sodbury Town have completed their fixtures for the season with a precious one nil victory at Ellwood. Although the home side created some good chances they failed to take them and for the second game in a row failed to score. The winning goal came in the twenty fifth minute from Mark Hughes.
Thornbury Town went down three nil at home to Rockleaze Rangers who followed up their win at Tuffley last Saturday. Rangers used the long ball tactics pumping it up field to striker Kye Simpson whom relies on pace and skill to outstrip defence’s. It was a long ball that gave Simpson the chance to open the scoring on ten minutes and then followed up with similar effort five minutes later. Scott Wooder almost got one back for the home side on fifty minutes but his shot struck the post. Rockleaze made sure with third goal from Kerry Georgiou to go away with the three points.
4th May 2013 - Longlevens Top as Rockleaze stun Tuffley
Longlevens head the table after a 2-0 win at bottom of the table D.R.G. Frenchay. It looks like Tuffley Rovers might have blown their chances of winning the title after a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Rockleaze Rangers.
Southmead CS Athletic have finished their fixtures and currently lying third in the table after having three points deducted for a rule infringement.
At the bottom of the table things have changed due to D.R.G. Frenchay also having three points removed for a rule infringement which has placed them rock bottom. Berkeley Town gained a valuable point at Chipping Sodbury Town and the other Club struggling near the bottom Taverners were not in action today.
Tuffley Rovers poor first half display and being hit by two breakaway goals may well have cost them dearly in their challenge for the Championship title. Rockleaze Rangers struck after just 4 minutes with a long ball that found Tomaso Parinello on the left flank which was crossed into the box and turned in by Kye Simpson. This was the first of Simpson’s three goals of the afternoon. Rovers had a good chance to level on 8 minutes from a free kick on the right of the eighteen yard box that was floated over to the far post by Edward Ward where it was met by Richard James, but his volley went just the wrong side of the post. In the 28th minute it looked certain that Mark Wallington would level for Rovers but his shot from 8m yards was brilliantly saved by Rangers keeper Sam Burgess. Within a minute Rockleaze were two nil up. Burgess save well from an Edward ward shot on target pumped the ball up field it cleared the home defence and Kye Simpson slipped the ball past home keeper Mark Harris. Harris was in action again in the 34th minute as he back peddled to prevent a Ben Lear cross come shot from dropping over his head. A header from Rovers striker Warren Mann in the 40th minute was directed straight at Burgess from around 8 Yards. Only a great save from Harris in the 43rd minute prevented Simpson from completing his hat-trick before the break.
Tuffley Rovers V Rockleaze Rangers
The second half turned out to be a bit of a scrappy affair, with Rovers almost pulling a goal back in the 58th minute a free kick from the right was met by Richard James and although the header may well have beaten Burgess it struck the crossbar and was cleared up field. Mark Wallington missed a great chance on 65 minute blasting his shot over the bar. Tuffley almost gave away a third on 79 minutes when a simple back pass from Elliot King slipped under Harris’s foot and the keeper took chase and just managed to kick the ball clear before it crossed the line. Rockleaze had shown very little up front in the second half but a ball into Kye Simpson on 87 minute saw the striker slip between two Tuffley defenders and drive the ball past Harris for his hat-trick.
With Southmead losing three points, it gave Longlevens the chance to go top if they could win at D.R.G. Frenchay. They went ahead after 12 minutes with a ball out to the left that found Shaun O’Connor and he moved into position let fly from 30 yards and the home keeper Charlie Dennis was unable to prevent the ball flying over his head into the far corner. A mistake by the home defence on 40 minutes gave the visitors the opportunity to go 2-0 up as Craig Martin broke clear to drive the ball past Dennis. The home side did rally in the second half but failed to find a way through the visitors defence.
Tuffley Rovers V Rockleaze Rangers
In an uneventful game at Kingswood - Southmead CS Athletic completed their season with 1-0 victory the only goal coming after 10 minutes from Rob Sivers.
Patchway Town hit back with a vengeance after their mid-week defeat at home to Frampton United. On the receiving end was Thornbury Town who were at one stage trailing 5-1. Phil Vice set up Joe McClennan to open the scoring on 15 minutes, then 15 minutes later Matt Davies drew the keeper and neatly chipped the ball over him for the second. In the first minute of the second half Thornbury hit back from a free kick sent over to the far post and Pete Fowler was there to knock it home. Patchway made it 3-1 when Matt Davies netted his second after Joe McClennan had squared the ball back in the box. A 25 yard shot from Phil Vice made it 4-1 on 59 minutes, then Dan Bendall-Matthews netted the fifth. Steve Thompson headed a late consolation goal fro Thornbury Town.
Tuffley Rovers V Rockleaze Rangers
Berkeley Town went into the break with a 2-0 lead after a great performance in the first 45 minutes. The opening goal came in the 25th minute after a catalogue of errors from the home defence allowing Tom Palmer to score from 6 yards. A second goal two minute later a 20 yard strike from Tom Palmer put the visitors in a comfortable position going into the break. Sodbury made changes in the second half and Justin Bishop who had come on as a substitute pulled a goal back for the home side on the hour. Sodbury were the better side and had several more chances that they failed to take. The deserved equaliser came in the 85th minute a shot from the edge of the box by second substitute Sam Jenkins.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves look to be safe as they beat Frampton United 3-0. This was Stuart Midwinter’s day being involved in all three goals. The first after 15 minutes a cross into the box where Ross Nichol was waiting to turn it in. A second cross into the box on 40 minutes by Midwinter was turned home by Jamie Lock and then in the 58th minute it was Midwinter who made it three from 12 yards.
Tuffley Rovers V Rockleaze Rangers
The report from Ellwood was the briefest I have received this season. Ellwood 0 Yate Town Reserves 0 and not a lot more to say about the game.
Tuffley Rovers V Rockleaze Rangers
27th April 2013 - Bristol Academy snatch win at Rockleaze
Leaders Tuffley Rovers and second place Bristol Academy both win whilst Southmead CS Athletic draw at Ellwood. Longlevens go marching on with anther win under their belt to keep them in contention for the title.
A bad day for the Clubs languishing at the bottom, as both suffered defeats at home.
Bristol Academy’s win at Rockleaze Rangers was handed to them courtesy of a lapse of concentration by Pete Tomiak after 74 minutes when he handled in the box giving the visitors the chance to level from the spot. On a sunny but very blustery day and a very hard pitch both teams found it difficult to control the bounce of the ball. The home team settled down early on and tried very hard to get a good passing game together. Rockleaze forced an early corner after 5 minutes as Academy keeper Martin Horsell saved brilliantly from a Rob Edwards header. From the resulting corner the home side took the lead and it was Edwards who powered his header past Horsell. Although the home side looked the better of the two sides the Academy had a great chance to level the score on 26 minutes as Josh Cann broke clear of the home defence only to see his goal-bound shot brilliantly saved by home keeper Sam Burgess.
Rockleaze Rangers V Bristol Academy
The second half produced a few more chances, the first going to the visitors immediately after the break as Burgess was called up on to save Jake Jacksons well directed shot. At the other end Horsell brought off another great save to deny the home side going further in front. Horsell was in great form as he denied Carl Lakey from making it 2-0 on 61 minutes. The turning point of the game came in the 74th minute when a ball struck hard into the Rangers box was handled by Pete Tomiak giving the visitors the opportunity to level from the spot. Jake Jackson stepped up and blasted the ball into the Rangers net. Two minutes later the Academy were in front, the goal had certainly lifted them and a long ball curled over to the far post from the left was met by Dan Dyke to head past Burgess for the lead. With just five minutes to go the Academy almost got a third as home keeper Burgess rushed out to try and meet a long ball up field and was beaten to it by Mario Mateus but the strikers touch went agonizingly past the post.
Tuffley rovers are still hoping to take the championship title after their slender 1-0 win at Chipping Sodbury Town. They seem to want to do it the hard way after being reduced to ten men just 15 minutes into the game when keeper Mark Harris received a red card after bringing down Craig Davidge just outside the area when clear through on goal. Marcus Foxwell took over the keepers jersey for the rest of the game. Sodbury thought they had scored early in the second half as Alex Fox's shot was heading for the top corner only to see Foxwell get a finger tip touch to divert it out of play. The winning goal came in the 72nd minute from a scramble in the box after George Hale had made a great save from a previous shot on target the ball was pumped back into the mix and Mark Wallington stabbed the ball home.
Longlevens continue to challenge for the title with yet another win under their belt although it was a very tight 1-0 win at home to Patchway Town. Patchway played a very defensive game making it difficult for the home side to break through. The deadlock was broken on 30 minutes with an outstanding goal from left full-back Craig Beaton whose 35 yard shot screamed into the roof of the net. The home side did strike the crossbar on two occasions the first shot was pushed onto the bar by keeper Martin Alford and the second beat Alford but rebounded into play. Beaton was the savior for the home side on 75 minutes clearing off the line from a rare chance created by the visitors. Patchway were reduced to 10 men on 80 minutes when Paul Barnes was dismissed for dissent.
Rockleaze Rangers V Bristol Academy
Southmead CS Athletic hit back from a two goal deficit to gain a point at Forest of Dean side Ellwood. Ellwood striker Darryl Addis gave the home side the lead on the half hour and then scored again from the penalty spot just before the break. Southmead were reduced to 10 men just before the break leaving them a hard task for the remainder of the game. Their second half performance improved dramatically and Dave Hewitt reduced the deficit from the penalty spot on 66 minutes. Hewitt then popped up again in the 85th minute to gain a point from the game.
Kings Stanley recent poor form continues with yet another defeat this time at the hands of Frampton United. A non eventful first 45 minutes with neither side creating any real chances and the only goal of the game came on 50 minutes from Stuart Maule who broke down the flank cut into the box and then drove the ball past home keeper Gavin Dean. Stanley will be hoping their form will improve before they play in the League Cup Final on Sunday 19th May.
Rockleaze Rangers V Bristol Academy
Bishops Cleeve Reserves eased their worries with a 1-0 win at home to Hanham Athletic. The visitors had scored 4 goals in midweek but were unable to find the back of the net today. The winner for Cleeve came after 24 minutes a cross from George Nicholls was turned in by Ross Nichol
With Taverners not in action today it was a chance for the two Clubs at the bottom to make some headway, but unfortunately it was not to be. Berkeley Town who moved off the bottom for a few days find themselves back there after going down 3-0 at home to Henbury. Henbury were also awarded two penalties in this game and missed both but this was down to two brilliant saves by home keeper Ewan Prentice. Eddie Howell was the first to see his spot kick saved and then Aaron Anglin faced the same fate. Henbury had to wait until the 55th minute open the scoring Aaron Anglin netting the first of his brace. Jack Mills made it 2-0 on 65 minutes and Anglin made it 3-0 on 80 minutes.
Rockleaze Rangers V Bristol Academy
The tussle at the bottom between D.R.G. Frenchay and Yate Town Reserves ended in a 2-1 for the visitors. Anton Dowe knocked in a cross on 37 minutes to put the home side in front but ten minutes into the second half Matt Lattibeadiere levelled the score. A Ibrahima Sarr free kick on 71 minutes wan the game for Yate.
20th April 2013 - Henbury win local derby with Southmead
With fixtures being played during midweek the table changes all the time. Tuffley Rovers are leaders with a 2-2 draw at home to Patchway Town, whilst both Bristol Academy and Southmead CS Athletic lost ground after defeats at Ellwood and Henbury respectively. The team to watch is Longlevens who just keep winning and are gradually closing on the leaders with plenty of games in hand.
At the bottom of the table Taverners have now slipped in to bottom place after two midweek defeats and a draw today. Berkeley Town has moved up a place with two wins this week.
The game of the day was the fixture between local rivals Henbury and Southmead CS Athletic. With only a couple of miles between the two clubs there is always competitive rivalry when they meet. Henbury’s largest gate of the season 100 spectators was treated to a splendid game of football particularly in the first half. Both teams showed their intentions right from the off with fast flowing football. Henbury took the lead on 14 minutes after winning a corner on the left that was sent over to the far post by Ben Sandle where Jack Bebbington net it with a forceful header that sped past Sebastian Gribble. This spurred the home side on and Gribble had to be at his best to divert a Ryan Innoles shot around the post for a corner. Just a minute later Innoles should have made it 2-0 to the home side but with a clear shot on goal failed to get any power behind the shot and Gribble was able to save. Southmead’s first chance to level came after 24 minutes as Rob Sivers found space in the box for a shot on target but home keeper Ashley Newman closed the striker down and saved brilliantly with his knees. At the other end the visitors gave away a free kick on the edge of the box that Eddie Howell struck really well but Gribble just managed to touch the effort over the bar. Henbury have to thank keeper Newman for keeping them in the game just before the break with two great saves to deny Rob Sivers and Rob Massey both shots would have ended up in the back of the net.
Henbury V Southmead CS Athletic
At the start of the second half Southmead came close as Rob Massey’s effort on goal just cleared the bar. The home side went 2-0 up in the 63rd minute after the ball was squared across goal to Tony Perry but Aaron Anglin spotted the opportunity and nicked the ball off Perry and drove it past Gribble. Luke Mills had a good chance to pull one back for the visitors but pulled his shot wide of the target. Henbury secured the points in the 77th minute as a ball up to Anglin bounced nicely for the striker as he ran through the visitors defence, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net. Gribble was called on again in the 80th minute as he dived full length to save an Eddie Howell free kick. It just was not Southmead’s day as 2 minutes from the end Sivers had a clear cut chance to pull a goal back but the Henbury keeper palmed the ball away for a corner.
Longlevens continue to push for the title with a very convincing 6-1 win at home to Yate Town Reserves. Longlevens opened the scoring on 10 minutes when Adam Hughes broke down the flank and squared the ball for Brad Martin to score. Yate hit back just before the break with a goal from substitute Jack Rees-Jones rounding the keeper to score. The home side were back in front a minute into the second half Shaun O’Connor netting his 20th goal of the season from a Craig Beaton pass. A 10 minute spell late on produced four more goals for the home side the first coming on 79 minutes Shaun O’Connor netting his second in a goalmouth scramble. Dave Merrick then set up Josh Westcarr to score in the 81st minute and three minutes later a Dave Rich through ball was volleyed home by Brad Martin to make it 5-1. Josh Westcarr grabbed his second of the afternoon with just two minutes to go picking up a ball squared back by O’Connor.
Ellwood put a dent in Bristol Academy’s chances of winning the title with solitary goal from Darryl Addis 21 minutes into the game. The home side never let the visitors settle and might have increased the lead on several occasions. The last 15 minutes the home side found themselves under the cosh but managed to hold out for the win.
Henbury V Southmead CS Athletic
Kingswood are gradually slipping down the table after a 3-2 home defeat by D.R.G. Frenchay. James Kenway gave the visitors the lead on 15 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box. Then in the 33rd minute the visitors went 2-0 up from a bit of individual skill from Liam Powell slipping past several defenders before sliding the ball past Fox. Frank Hitchings pulled a goal back for the home side on 55 minutes, but a far post header from Joe Galsworthy on 75 minutes put the visitors 3-1 up. Leonard Miller netted a second for the home side on 80 minutes but they were unable to get that third goal to level the score.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves improved there position in the league with a 4-2 victory at Chipping Sodbury Town. Sodbury were first out of the blocks and took the lead after 2 minutes with a goal from Craig Davidge a marvelous 30 yard drive. Cleeve hit back on 23 minutes with the first of three goals scored by Mark Connelly. Alex Fox restored the home side lead on 43 minutes as the home side went into the break 2-1 up. A Will Pugh free kick on 49 minutes leveled the score, but two further goals from Mark Connelly gave the visitors a 4-2 lead. Unfortunately Connelly then got sent off for a second yellow card.
Berkeley Town’s recent revival continued today at Frampton United coming away with a 3-1 win to go with their win in midweek. Steve Jackson gave the home side the lead on 53 minutes but Berkeley leveled through Tom Franklin on the hour mark. Paul Brooks then gave the visitors the lead and a Ben Gillison goal on 72 minutes sealed the points for Berkeley.
Henbury V Southmead CS Athletic
Taverners gained a valuable point at Thornbury Town after falling behind to a disputed penalty that gave Thornbury Town the lead on 67 minutes Brad Andrews netting from the spot. The visitors deserved their point after playing 3 times this week, with a goal from Luke Bedwell just two minutes from the end.
Tuffley Rovers are back on top after a 2-2 draw at home to Patchway Town. It was the visitors who took the initiative after 28 minutes with a goal from Ashley Lloyd chipping the home keeper from the edge of the box. Nathan King leveled the score for Rovers on 55 minutes but a mix up in the box by Rovers in the 70th minute allowed Danny Webb to put the visitors back in front. Stuart Griffiths came to rescue for the home side in the very last minute of the game as he slid home a cross to the far post.
Rockleaze Rangers found themselves chasing the game after going two goals down on 17 and 25 minutes at home to Hanham Athletic. A break down the flank led to Hanham’s first goal the cross into the box saw a slip by Phil Serjeant that allowed James Shipman the opportunity to open the scoring. Then second for the visitors also involved the luckless Serjeant as he deflected the ball from a free kick past Burgess into his own goal. Rangers hit back on 42 minute with a long throw from Rob Edwards that found Jack Rivers to drive the ball home. Burgess then brought off a great save to deny Grinter from giving Hanham the lead and at the other end Fletcher denied Rob Edwards from leveling the score. Rangers did eventually level from the resulting corner from a headed goal from Savas Frangoullis.
Henbury V Southmead CS Athletic
13th April 2013 - Ellwood draw at rainy Patchway
Bristol Academy took over top spot for the first time this season with a resounding 5-0 victory at Berkeley Town. Southmead CS Athletic missed the chance to go top after being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by Rockleaze Rangers.
No change at the bottom with both D.R.G. Frenchay and Berkeley Town losing whilst Taverners game was postponed.
Bristol Academy has gradually been climbing the table over the last few weeks and with today’s 5-0 win they have achieved top spot. They opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a Jake Jackson chipped over the keeper following a goalmouth scramble. The home side went 2-0 down three minutes before the break when a shot from Josh Cann took a wicked deflection off a Berkeley defender giving the keeper no chance. Ibrahima Diallo made it 3-0 on 52 minutes firing home from the edge of the box after Mario Mataus had set him up. The home side was then hit with two late goals in the last three minutes of the game the first on 87 minutes from Tyler Finch-Vassell and the final goal came from Adam Mahmood on 89 minutes.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves V Longlevens
Image Courtesy Peter Langley
Fifteen brave spectators weathered the wet and windy conditions at Patchway Town to see both Clubs settle for a share of the points with a 1-1 score-line. Before the start of the game Assistant Referee Darren Bell felt ill during the war-up and had to withdraw from the game. Patchway Secretary Richard Ashley came to the rescue and did a fine job of running the line. It was difficult to control the ball on a very wet and slippery surface but both sides adapted well with the first effort on goal coming from Ellwood’s Jamie Addis breaking into the box and getting a great shot on target but was denied by a brilliant save from the Patchway keeper Martin Alford after 12 minutes. It was the visitors who almost took the lead on 24 minutes from a really well struck shot from the edge of the box by Darryl Addis that beat Alford but struck the crossbar. It was the home side who opened the scoring on 31 minutes with their first real attempt on goal. Matt Davies was put clear and neatly slipped the ball past the Ellwood custodian. Matt Addis had an opportunity to level the score on 37 minutes but shot straight at Alford. Four minutes before the break Ellwood got a deserved equaliser from a Derek Roberts free kick wide on the right that he curled past the home defence, it hit the slippery surface, gathered pace and although Alford got his hands to it he could not prevent it finishing up in the back of the net.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves V Longlevens
Image Courtesy Peter Langley
Unfortunately 1-1 turned out to be the final score as both teams failed to create any further chances with both keepers having a quiet second half.
After a good win in midweek Hanham Athletic came into the game full of confidence and it showed. They played some neat football and took a deserved lead through James Shipman. Kings Stanley hit back with a fine piece of individual skill from Ben Carman who weaved past three Hanham players, then calmly slid the ball into the bottom corner. Hanham started the second half strongly and carried on playing some good football. They took the lead with a fine strike from Craig Stone. Both teams battled to the end but Hanham came out on top.
Shock of the day was the result from the fixture Southmead CS Athletic v Rockleaze Rangers. Southmead have recorded some good results lately with the visitors showing some indifferent form. In front of their lowest gate of the season 24 the home side were convincingly beaten 4-1 by their local rivals. Rangers went ahead on 26 minutes when Shane Hobbs latched on to a loose ball after a scramble on the edge of the box to fire home. Ben Lear made it 2-0 on 41 minutes when he picked up a long ball over the home defence. It was Lear again right on half-time as he worked his way clear to slot the ball past Sebastian Gribble in the home goal. A special from the home keeper in the 69th minute pulled a goal back for Southmead. Sebastian Gribble launched a long kick from his hands up field and as the ball hit the ground it deceived Rangers keeper Burgess and pt flew over his head into the net. Rangers netted a rather fortunate fourth goal on 81 minutes as the wet conditions certainly helped Nathan Bryer’s as his shot skidded off the wet surface it was partially saved by Gribble but he was unable to stop it crossing the line.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves V Longlevens
Image Courtesy Peter Langley
D.R.G. Frenchay are still struggling in the bottom half of the table after going down by a solitary goal at home to Thornbury Town. This win for Thornbury certainly helps with their chances of avoiding finishing in the bottom two. The lone strike came from Danny Thompson in the 37th minute a shot that took a slight deflection and then bounced over the keepers head.
Frampton United’s form has dipped in the last few games as they were beaten at home 2-1 by Henbury. The visitors had a great chance to take the lead after 11 minutes from the penalty spot but Aaron Anglin fluffed his spot kick. It was the home side who took the lead on 21 minutes Liam O’Neill netting from the spot after Tom Patterson had been impeded in the box. Henbury hit back in the 51st minute Ryan Innoles touching home an in-swinging corner. The winner came with just 2 minutes to go from a great 20 yard shot from Jack Mills that struck the inside of the post on its way into the net.
Longlevens are still in tremendous form and on target for a shot at the title with a 2-0 win at Bishops Cleeve Reserves. In a game that rarely looked like taking off the visitors took the lead on the hour from a great strike from Shaun O’Connor after Ellis Sausmans cross was helped on by Scott Goodhall. Rather a fortunate second goal for Longlevens on 75 minutes as a back pass to home keeper Gavin Jones took a bobble just as he was about to strike it and it went over his foot and into the net.
Bishops Cleeve Reserves V Longlevens
Image Courtesy Peter Langley
6th April 2013 - Southmead hit five past Frampton
Both Tuffley Rovers and Southmead CS Athletic win at home to remain first and second in the table.
At the bottom Berkeley Town continue to pick up points with a draw at home to Patchway Town, whilst D.R.G. Frenchay move up to third from bottom with a win at Chipping Sodbury Town. Taverners were defeated at Tuffley Rovers and drop into the bottom two.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
Southmead CS Athletic the leading goal-scorers in the league net five times with Frampton United replying with two. It was the visitors who almost went ahead after eight minutes as Steve Jackson broke clear on the left and hammered a low shot across goal that home keeper Sebastian Gribble failed to hold at the first attempt but soon grabbed at a second attempt as the ball headed for the net. A couple of minutes later Southmead took the lead through Adam Bell with a great shot from the edge of the box that flew past keeper Daniel Borg into the far corner. At the other end Adam Cox went close to leveling as he connected with a corner, but it just cleared the bar. Frazer Wilson also went close for the visitors with a free kick that went just the wrong side of the post. The home side always looked dangerous on the attack and went two nil up on eighteen minutes as Rob Sivers made space for a shot on target that Borg was unable to hold and Luke Mills fired home the rebound. An Adam Bell shot in the twenty third minute looked a goal all the way, but somehow Borg managed to get a foot to the ball and deflected it wide. Gribble brought off a good save from Ryan Vincent to deny Frampton pulling a goal back in the forty third minute. Luke Mills had his header saved by Borg and then just a few secondS later he headed against the crossbar. Right on half time Matt Cook was just wide with a free kick for Frampton.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
Frampton started well in the second half and Gribble had to be at his best to save from Matt Cook Frampton were back in the game in the fifty eighth minute from a free kick twenty five yards out and just to the left of the goal. There was a little touch to Steve Jackson who hammered the ball across Gribble and into the far corner a superb goal. This just spurred the home side on and a break down the left by Adam Bell and a really accurate pass into the box found Rob Sivers to head the ball past Borg. Rob Sivers netted his second in the sixty eighth minute as he was put clear and cheekily slipped the ball past the keeper, to put the home side four one up. Southmead netted their fifth on seventy eight minutes from a free kick around twenty five yards out that was stuck low by Adam Bell straight at keeper Borg, but the keeper failed to take the ball cleanly and Luke Mills was their to tap the rebound home. Adam Cox’s solo run just two minutes later ended with a cracking shot that thumped into the back of the Southmead net to make it five two. The home side still pressed forward and two late efforts from Rob Sivers and Aaron Wilson could well have made the score-line a lot worse for the visitors.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
Tuffley Rovers failed to break down the Taverners defence in the first forty five minutes but were eventually rewarded in the fifty seventh minute after Taverners gave away a penalty for hand ball and Marcus Foxwell drove the spot kick home. The home side piled on the pressure forcing numerous corners and generally controlling the game and this paid off in the seventy ninth minute as Nathan King’s ball to Warren Mann sent the striker goal-wards and then unleashing a shot that went across the keeper and into the far side of the net.
Longlevens continue their rise up the table with another four nil win at home to Hanham Athletic. The first forty five minute failed to produce any goals, but a minute into the second half Craig Beaton broke down the left and pulled the ball back for Shaun O’Connor to open the scoring. Hanham’s Jack Tottle gave away a penalty in the sixty fifth minute trying to control the ball with his hand and Shaun O’Connor netted his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot. The home side then scored two more in the seventieth and seventy fourth minutes, the first a cracking shot from the edge of the box by substitute Ellis Sausman and the second was a cross from Jamie Dunn across the box to the far post that was met by Craig Martin to fire home.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
D.R.G. Frenchay moved up a place in the table to third from bottom with a two nil win at inconsistent Chipping Sodbury Town. Joe Galsworthy gave the visitors the lead on forty three minutes and they should have made it two nil from the penalty spot midway through the second half as Karl Reece denied a goal-scoring chance to the visitors and was sent off for the offence. Anton Dowe took the spot kick but it was brilliantly saved by keeper George Hale. The visitors made the game safe in the very last minute with a Will De-Wet goal.
Henbury left it late to take the three points in their home game with Yate Town Reserves. Again there were no goals in the first forty five minutes and few chances until the eighty fourth minute when a cross from Aaron Rosser was touched home by substitute Joe Love who got the finest of touches to guide the ball into the net.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
Rockleaze Rangers went a goal behind to visitors Kings Stanley in the fifty fifth minute in rather unfortunate circumstances the ball ricocheting of Savas Frangoulis as it rebound out from a previous shot on goal striking the full-back and ending up in the back of the net. Aaron Day almost leveled five minutes later but his header struck the crossbar. The home side did however draw level in the seventy third minute Richard Bray netting after good build up work with Karl Lakey. Six minutes later Rangers were in front Richard Bray netting his second after Shane Hobbs held the ball up well before slipping it to Bray. Stanley hit back on eighty three minutes from a Ryan Stevenson shot that took a slight deflection on its way in.
A Ryan Mudd double for Kingswood was enough to sink Bishops Cleeve Reserves. Josh Stokes through ball to Ryan Mudd saw the striker outstrip the visitors defence in the fiftieth minute to put the home side one up, then five minutes later a great run down the left by Paul Bleaken and a cross into the box was finished off by Mudd for a two nil win.
Southmead CS Athletic V Frampton United
Berkeley Town continue to pick up points as they attempt to get away from bottom spot. That’s six games in a row the Club has picked up points and although there were no goals in this game with Patchway Town, at this stage of the season every little helps.