League leaders Timsbury Athletic maintained their hold at the top of the UHlsport Somerset County League Division One with a comfortable 3-0 home win against Somerton Town. After going two up in the first half the home side were never seriously threatened and their impressive unbeaten record on their own ground remains intact.
The game got off to a quiet start before Ellis Hancock shot just wide of the post for the home side. At the other end a crisp effort from Jacob Shore was also just the wrong side of the post. Chris Midgley then created another opening for Hancock but his goal-bound shot was blocked by Matt Harper. After 25 minutes Timsbury broke the deadlock when Sam Gregory notched his first goal since returning from a long term injury absence. It was his last contribution, however, as he was immediately forced to leave the field to be replaced by Tim Midgley.
The substitute made an instant impact and after seeing one chance go a begging he followed up Callum Taylor’s free-kick to fire the home side into a two-goal lead after 35 minutes. Harper was just over the top for the visitors but it was Timsbury who always looked the likeliest and a fine pass from Hancock set Chris Midgley clear only to be denied by keeper Dave Barrell. Just before half-time Somerton had a free-kick on the edge of the Timsbury box but Shore’s well struck shot was just too high.
Early in the second half another fluent move between Hancock and Chris Midgley created a golden opportunity for Rhys Cook but he was unable to take advantage of the opening with the goal at his mercy. Twelve minutes into the half Timsbury went three up. A superb ball from Jesse Bishop set Tim Midgley clear and, with Barrell approaching, the substitute cleverly lobbed the keeper. A long effort from Reece Westlake that went wide was the best the visitors could offer while Cook struck the Somerton post with a stinging drive for the home side. Substitute Reuben Hobbs headed just over with a good effort for Timsbury and Chris Midgley shot over the top with a good opportunity. A late chance for Somerton saw Lewis Neenan shoot just wide but it was not their day.
Malcolm Tucker