Page 24 - Cribbs FC v Royal Wootton Bassett 110122

Hellenic League Review…..

On Holiday Monday, once again Premier Division leaders Bishops Cleeve survived a tough
challenge to stretch their lead at the top of the table to ten points. In a match switched to
Evesham United FC, visitors Cribbs were seen off by the odd goal in seven as two late
strikes edged Cleeve in front at the death.
Second-placed Westfields were held to a 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Hallen and as a
result fell ten points adrift of the pace setters. Dawid Regula gave Hallen the lead shortly
after half time, but the title challengers hit back through substitute Jamie Bird despite having
Matthew MacDonald sent off.
Bishops Cleeve’s position was further enhanced by the shock 3-2 home defeat suffered by
Corsham Town at the hands of Longlevens. Gary Higdon and Matthew Morris had scored
for Corsham late in the first half, but two goals from Rudi McKinnon and an own goal gave
the points to the visitors.
Malvern Town have now returned to third spot following a 2-0 victory over Roman Glass
St. George at Oaklands Park. Dave Reynolds gave Malvern an early lead and after a close-
fought contest, Joe Bates sealed the win 15 minutes from the end.
Brimscombe & Thrupp thrashed fellow Gloucestershire side Tuffley Rovers 6-2 to re-
enter the top four. Jack Smith bagged a hat trick, and there was one goal apiece for Kyle
Pitts, Jonty Welch and Sam Folkes for Brimscombe, whilst Lewis Bainbridge and William
Ramsey replied for the home side who now find themselves flirting with the relegation
positions.
Bradford Town raced to a 4-0 success over Wiltshire rivals Royal Wootton Bassett
Town thanks to goals from George Box who hit a treble and Harvey Baker.
Sol Pryce and Matty Tanner netted for Chipping Sodbury Town to secure a vital 2-1 win
at home to Lydney Town in a relegation six-pointer.
Shrivenham ran out 3-1 winners over Fairford Town. On target for the Wiltshire side
were Jack Badger, Scott Garrett and Shane Hibbert. Ross Langworthy netted a consolation
goal for Town.
On Tuesday evening, Thornbury Town eased some of their lingering relegation fears with
a convincing 4-0 victory over second from bottom Calne Town at Mundy Playing Fields.
Jack Sheppard-Cozens gave Thornbury the lead on the half hour and further goals came
from Brandon Benjamin, Joe Guest and an own goal after the break.
The matches at Bourton Rovers and Cheltenham Saracens were postponed on Monday
but Sean McKeon was the toast of Cirencester Town Development as he grabbed a last-
minute winner for the First Division’s basement side at leaders Worcester Raiders to clinch
the shock result of the day. Zac Skinner scored twice for Cirencester to swap blows with
Jordan Murphy and Richard Smith for Worcester before McKeon’s intervention.
It was not a good start to the New Year for any of the promotion contenders. Cheltenham
Saracens, Studley and Milton United did not play, whilst Worcester were beaten, as
were Clanfield ‘85’ and FC Stratford!
Tom Dixon scored both goals for Moreton Rangers in their surprise 2-0 win over FC
Stratford, and Stonehouse Town won 2-1 at Clanfield ‘85’ on Tuesday evening. Ellis
Duffus and Tim Williams were the marksmen for Stonehouse.
The highest-placed team to secure a win this year so far are Hereford Pegasus who ran
out 3-1 winners at home to lowly Abingdon United thanks to Marshall Hopkins, Saul
Thomas and Jordan Williamson. Mite Mitev replied with a consolation goal for United.
In Tuesday’s other game, Pershore Town beat Newent Town 4-2 with goals coming from
Aiden Clark, Kirk Layton, Matthew Nutt and Petar Tonchev. Morgan Davies and Tyler Weir hit
back for the Gloucestershire outfit.