Toolstation Western League First Division
Ashton & Backwell 1, Wellington 1

WELLINGTON saw their lead at the top of the Toolstation Western League First Division cut to four points after being held to a draw by mid-table Ashton & Backwell on Saturday.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Wellington had the better of the early stages and took the lead through Jack Taylor.

The centre forward, who was working hard up front on his own, thundered a shot into the top corner from 20 yards after Wright’s knock down.

The high-flying visitors were unable to add to their lead before the interval, with Conor Bryant coming closest with an effort from a corner.

The one goal advantage always looked slender given the sloping pitch, and so it proved as the hosts were in the ascendancy after the break.

Having come close on several occasions, Ashton got back on level terms when Sam Skidmore headed home a corner at the far post.

The hosts nearly claimed a surprise victory when Miles Allen thumped a shot against the crossbar, but both teams looked content with a point apiece at the final whistle.

“I always knew it was going to be a difficult game,” manager Clive Jones said.

“If I had been offered a point before the start of the match I would have taken it.”

This weekend, Wellington could hand a debut to new signing John Rawlings as they travel to struggling Chippenham Park.

Wellington Reserves host Witheridge Reserves in Division 1 of the Devon & Exeter League, while the Thirds welcome HT Dons in Division 7.

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Toolstation Western League First Division
Bishops Lydeard 3, Almondsbury UWE 0

BISHOPS Lydeard earned another three points as they comfortably saw off beat bottom club Almondsbury UWE.

Man-of-the-match Joe Chamberlain led the way with two goals, the first of which was scored on 10 minutes when he robbed the visiting keeper on the edge of the penalty area then rolled the ball into an empty net.

It remained one-nil until half-time as Almondsbury belied their lowly position, but just five minutes after the break Bishops doubled their lead when Zac Ryder smashed a shot into the roof of the net.

Chamberlain added his second on 70 minutes with a stunning forty yard lob after noticing the goalkeeper off his line.

The only negative for Lydeard was a red card for Jack Adams, but the hosts’ defence held firm to record another clean sheet and help the Bishops consolidate fifth position.

Saturday sees Lydeard travel to lowly Calne Town in search of another victory.

Bishops: Nathan Whatley, Scott Holland, Calum Flaherty, capt, George Painter, Jack Adams, Charlie Wilson, Mark Clunie, Ryan Andrews, Andy Butler, Joe Chamberlain, Zac Ryder, Tom Stone, Ryan Brereton.

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Somerset County Premier
Staplegrove 2, Middlezoy Rovers 3

MIDDLEZOY made it four wins from five league games with a narrow victory at Staplegrove.

Playing down the slope and with the wind in the first half, Middlezoy took the lead after 10 minutes when Steve Hall’s delivery was nudged in by the unmarked Jed Williams from close range.

Williams then turned provider after wriggling clear of his man and putting the ball on a plate for Craig Wright to double the lead.

The game swung in the hosts’ favour after the break, and Staplegrove halved the deficit on 59 minutes when Piper squared for Tom Edwards to slot in from 12 yards.

The visitors were now playing on the break and, after missing an earlier chance, Dan Luce restored Zoy’s two-goal advantage on 74 minutes.

The hosts’ player-manager Kirk Reece entered the fray and his side set up a grandstand finish when Piper scored from the penalty spot with six minutes to play.

Staplegrove, fifth in the table, host Clevedon United on Saturday (ko 2pm).

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1610 TAUNTON United are back in action this weekend in Somerset County Division 2W after having last Saturday off.

They welcome Ashton & Backwell United Reserves, looking for a win that will take them level on points with their mid-table opponents.