Somerset Premier Division

Staplegrove 4 Shirehampton 3

STAPLEGROVE entertained runaway league leaders and last year’s champions Shirehampton at Bishops Playing Fields this Saturday for what proved to be a great encounter.

After some early pressure and several clear opportunities to take the lead, Grove found themselves behind after 20 minutes when Shirehampton broke quickly and capitalised on some poor defending.

Grove soon bounced back and on the half hour mark, Luke Desave’s cross was met well by Josh Martin who coolly got the home side level.

Soon after, Grove struck again through midfielder Sam Wilkinson’s bullet header from the edge of the box after a delightful cross from Sam Mockridge down the left.

Staplegrove deserved their half time lead but soon let it squander as Shirehampton's top scorer Bamford struck early in the second period to level the game. The next 20 minutes was dominated by the away side, but Grove’s battling approach held strong to weather the storm and allow their opponents few chances.

After 75 minutes the game swung again as Desave got his second assist when sub Alex Izzard slotted home with only his second touch of the game.

The last 15 minutes didn't disappoint the bumper crowd at the Grove, as a goalkeeping error from Peter Horton allowed Shirehampton to level for the second time and the scores to be tied again at 3-3 with only minutes to go.

The error didn't dent Grove’s spirits for too long as they continued to press for a winner.

That moment came as a Mockridge’s well delivered free kick found Matt Pounde inside the box who headed home to take all three points and send the home fans into ecstasy.

Manager Kirk Reece said after the game: "We had a plan and my lads executed it superbly, up the Grove!"

Team: Peter Horton, Carl Edwards (Captn), Sam Mockridge, Matt Sibley, Nick Izzard, Luke Oliver (Chris Hindermarch), Sam Wilkinson, Matt Pounde, Josh Martin (Alex Izzard), Luke DeSave, Jamie Dingle (Miles Quick)