Timsbury Athletic overcame the disappointment of a missed first-half penalty to eventually run out 2-0 home winners over Staplegrove in the Somerset County League Division 1. After a goalless first half it took two quality finishes from the home side after the break to claim the points.
Rhys Cook broke through early for Timsbury but totally miscued his shot. Jem Lutwama also had two early chances for the home side before they had a great opportunity to open the scoring after 20 minutes when Chris Midgley was brought down in the box. Cook took the spot-kick but was denied by a fine save from Staplegrove keeper Shaun Locke who pushed his kick on to the post.
As Timsbury continued to dominate Matt Brooks saw his header cleared off the line and Locke made a fine save from Liam Craze’s well-struck shot from distance. At the other end Matt Pounde shot high and wide and Miles Quick was also off target. Joe Wilkinson then came close to breaking the deadlock for Staplegrove but was denied by a smart save from home keeper Charlie Phillips. Cook then linked up well with Ellis Hancock but the latter’s effort was wide of the mark.
Early in the second half Phillips dealt confidently with a Miles Quick shot while Hancock saw his shot held by Locke. As the visitors enjoyed a greater share of the ball James Rowley shot over the top and a great strike from Jason Quick sailed just too high. Brooks again saw a header saved by Locke before Timsbury took a 66th minute lead. Cook broke clear on the left before pulling the ball back to Hancock who hit a fine shot past Locke.
The impressive Locke made another important save to deny Craze who had a strong game in the Timsbury midfield while Phillips coped competently with an effort from Alex Pounde. With time running out Timsbury wrapped up the game with a superb goal from teenager Toby Neilson that was worthy of winning any game.
Star Man Lewis Redwood (Timsbury Athletic)
Malcolm Tucker