Ten-man Timsbury Athletic shocked promotion seeking Saltford with an outstanding 4-3 win at home in the Somerset County League Division 1. When the home side lost Lewis Redwood midway through the second half the game seemed there for the taking for Saltford but Timsbury responded superbly. With front runners Jem Lutwana and Rhys Cook running the visitors’ defence ragged they claimed an unlikely victory.
Redwood’s afternoon had begun in a more positive manner when he headed Timsbury in front after nine minutes. The Saltford response was immediate, however , with Elliott Jones firing home the equalizer within a minute. The same player then saw a free-kick hit the home bar while at the other end brave defensive work from Iain Rider foiled Liam Craze.
Saltford took the lead after 34 minutes when a superb strike from Luke Woodley-Marshall flew past Charlie Phillips in the Timsbury goal. A fine ball from Toby Neilson set Cook clear for the home side but the striker screwed his shot wide. Timsbury equalized right on half-time with Ellis Hancock heading home a Cook corner.
Early in the second half Matt Brooks headed just wide for the home side while Cook wasted a free-kick on the edge of the box. Another inspired pass from Neilson then set up Lutwana who made no mistake to give Timsbury a 3-2 lead after 58 minutes.
Redwood was then sent off for a late challenge and Saltford took advantage when a Jones free-kick flew past a motionless Phillips to make it 3-3. Instead of suffering from the numerical disadvantage Timsbury took the game to the visitors and after Cook had hit the post with a cracking drive they took a 4-3 lead. Lutwama pulled the ball back from the far post and Josh Hopkins had the misfortune to shoot into his own goal. Lutwama had a great chance to tie the game up hitting the post with the goal at his mercy but Timsbury held firm for a famous win.
Star Man Jem Lutwama (Timsbury Athletic)
Malcolm Tucker