Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1 leaders Timsbury Athletic bounced back to form in emphatic style with a 5-0 home win over Somerton Town. Captain Ellis Hancock led the way with a hat-trick with striker Rhys Cook grabbing a brace.
The game in fact started badly for Cook who had an early chance saved by Somerton keeper Brian Hardy and then missed a fifth-minute penalty scuffing his effort wide of the post after Chris Midgeley had been brought down. Hancock had a shot blocked on the line and Midgeley put the rebound over the top while another Cook effort was saved by Hardy’s legs.
Timsbury’s domination eventually gained a positive reward after 19 minutes when Cook had at last something to celebrate turning well in the box before shooting home. Timsbury’s keeper Josh Wilcox was the architect of the home side’s second goal. Taking advantage of the strong wind his long clearance found Cook and although his shot was blocked by Hardy Hancock followed up to score. Right on half-time Hancock made it 3-0 firing home after being set up by the lively Cook.
Within a minute of the re-start the double act was at it again with Hancock rising well to head home Cook’s corner. With the wind now in their favour the visitors came more into the game with substitute Robbie Haggett shooting wide from distance and Jacob Holland clearing the crossbar.
Timsbury still remained dangerous, however, and Cook shot wide with a clear chance while Jack Nix was too high with a free-kick. At the other end captain Luke Thomas headed wide and substitute Nathan Harris shot past the post. Midgeley embarked on a dangerous run for the home side only to put his final effort over the top before Cook ended the match with his second goal forcing the ball home in stoppage time for his eighteenth goal of the season.
Malcolm Tucker