THANKS largely to the performances of four West Somerset based players, Somerset County Representative XI moved into the next round of the FA National County Cup at Clevedon Town’s Hand Stadium this week.

They beat neighbours Gloucestershire in a preliminary round tie.

Watchet Town goalkeeper Adam Bishop was chosen as man of the match, having made numerous fine saves when Gloucestershire were seeking an equaliser, and Minehead captain Mike Mullen had a sound game at the heart of the defence.

Team-mate Matt Cracknell, at left back, hardly put a foot wrong all night, and Blues’ striker Aaron Deeks scored Somerset’s second goal during a first half that he spent largely on the right wing.

After half-time Deeks featured in his more customary central role, and he scored the all important third goal to give Somerset a hard earned 3-1 victory.