20 Oct 2018  Clifton Robinsons D  2  Shepton Mallet A  2

 

Shepton maintained their 10-month unbeaten run in the Verde Recreo West Central Division 1 with a hard fought draw away at Robinson.

In a nervy opening, defences were on top until two stray Shepton passes let the home side in to grab the lead.  Mallet nearly drew level before the break but Mark Nash’s lifted shot was saved by the upper arm of the Robinson’s keeper.  And Mallet had Joe Osborne to thank for some great saves in their own goal to keep the score at 1-0 at half time.

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Shepton moved up a gear in the second half and deservedly equalised when a left wing cross from Philip Ballan-Whitfield was met by man-of-the-match Max Chainey who deflected the ball home.  Osborne and Geoff Cabral then combined to deny Robinsons their second before Chainey stormed past three opponents driving from the half-way line to the circle to set up Nash. He was denied twice by the keeper but the ball fell to Laurence Heywood for an easy finish.  But they couldn’t hang on to their lead and were punished for losing possession by the hosts who scored with a quick breakaway.  Although disappointed to lose their 100% record for the season, a draw was probably a fair result.

 

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13 Oct    Shepton Mallet A  7    Firebrands D  1

 

Shepton’s seconds maintained their winning start to the season in the Verde Recreo West Central Division 1 with a comfortable home victory against pointless Firebrands.

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Mallet started slowly but dominated territory, restricting the visitors to the odd counter attack.  They eventually broke the deadline a quarter of the way through the match when Ed Ogle fed Mark Nash to fire home from 14 yards.  Brands then defended well for a period and Shepton made life difficult for themselves giving the ball away on numerous occasions.  But three goals in five minutes before half time killed the game and made the Andy Boyce’s half-time team talk much easier than it would have been.  Nash grabbed his second from close range before Laurence Heywood flicked the ball into the roof of the net from a short corner.  Skipper Boyce then made if four with a neat dribble and finish from another short corner.

 

Mallet’s standard dropped after the break with too many sloppy passes and poor decision making.  But they regrouped and restarted the goal fest when Nash completed his hat-trick, latching onto a through-ball by Max Chainey to slot home.  Man of the match Heywood grabbed the final two goals to complete his own hat-trick either side of a Firebrands consolation.  His second, Shepton’s sixth, was a brave diving finish from Nash’s feed, and he completed the scoring with a brilliant revers stick strike, with his back to goal, into the corner.

 

Next week, Shepton’s unbeaten run will  be given a stern test away at Clifton Robinson’s.

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6 Oct 2018  North Somerset A  3   Shepton Mallet A  4

 

A brace from Mark Nash helped Shepton make it two wins out of two in The Verde Recreo West Cantral Division 1.

 

Shepton took an early lead:  good interplay down the left flank between Archie Heath and Oskar Edwards led to Andy Boyce feeding Edwards to finish past the outrushing keeper with his reverse stick.

They doubled their lead when Max Chainey found space at the top of the circle to set up Boyce for an easy finish.  A few minutes before half time they bagged their third goal through a penalty corner – Wood drilled the ball just wide of the goal for Nash to deflect home.

The home side came our fighting after the break and deservedly pulled one back from open play.  But Mallet responded well and scored the all-important fourth goal with twenty minutes left.  Edwards penetrated the circle before the ball fell to Nash to stab home and grab his fifth goal in two games.

North Somerset piled on the pressure in the final quarter, winning numerous penalty corners as Shepton lost their composure.   Somerset managed to convert two of the corners to set up a nervy final few minutes but Shepton clung on to keep up their winning start to the season.

Man of the match: Oskar Edwards

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29 Sept 2 018    Shepton Mallet A  7  Westbury & United Banks C  1

 

Shepton’s second team kicked off their campaign in the Verde Recreo West Central Division 1 by thumping the only side the side they failed to beat last season.

 

They dominated the early exchanges but fell behind after 15 minutes when the visitor’s first attack led to a short corner which was expertly converted.

Shepton kept pressing and they deservedly equalised when Archie Heath stole the ball high up the pitch before feeding Mark Nash who slotted home with ease.  And they took the lead before half time when Heath, with his back to goal, cleverly deflected a crash ball from Tom Wood into the corner.

The key moment in the game came within two minutes of the restart.   Good work from James Weelen released Wood who crossed for new skipper Andy Boyce to guide home.  Shepton then relaxed and controlled the rest of the game scoring at regular intervals.  Nash bagged the next two goals to compete his hat-trick before man-of-the-match Heath smashed the ball into the roof of the net from 15 yards for his own brace.  And the icing  was put on the cake when Heath ‘s mazy run set up Oskar Edwards for a goal on his league debut.

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7 April 2018  Shepton Mallet A 4 Old Bristolians B 4

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A hat-trick from Andy Boyce was the main highlight of a low-key final game of the season. Shepton fell behind twice in the first half but on both occasions bounced back quickly. First Harry Hall scored a terrific solo effort before Boyce fired home from a short corner. Boyce then grabbed his second with another penalty corner strike to put Mallet 3-2 up but Bristol bagged their third to level things up at half time.
Boyce completed his third hat-trick of 2018 with a penalty flick. Mark Nash drew the penalty when he was fowled when he was about to slap the ball into an empty net after picking up a pass from Maxim Cooper and rounding the keeper. But Mallet couldn't hold onto their lead when OBs converted their own penalty flick, won through a deflected shot from a short corner.
Shepton, unbeaten in 2018 with eight wins and three draws since Christmas, finish the season fourth in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.
Man of the match: Maxim Cooper
DOD: Andy Boyce (harsh but fair)

 

24 March  Shepton Mallet A  0  Westbury & United Banks C  0

 

Shepton’s winning run came to a disappointing end as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Westbury.

Shepton had the better of the first half and had plenty of opportunities to take the lead.  First Mark Nash was put clean through by Tom Wood but his effort clipped the keeper and went wide.  Max Chainey then burst into the circle from deep with the ball but failed to get a good connection with his shot.  And then a last ditch tackle denied Harry Hall when he looked certain to score at the far post.

Westbury looked much more dangerous after the break but were prevented from scoring by some important defensive blocks from Philip Ballan Whitfield and Darrell Chainey and some fine saves by man of the match Keiran McCaul.  At the other end Shepton just couldn’t find the killer ball to create a clear cut chance despite getting into some good positions in and around the circle.

The result means that Shepton will end the season in 4th place in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1; their highest placing for many seasons.

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17 March   North Somerset A  1     Shepton Mallet A  4

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Shepton’s second team extended their winning run to eight games in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.  The first twenty minutes saw both teams create a number of half chances but North Somerset failed to get a shot on target whilst at the other end their keeper was in fine form, smothering Shepton’s forwards when they were about to shoot.  But Shepton started to take control as it approached half time.  Harry Hall failed to stab the ball home from close range after good work from Andy Boyce before Boyce took matters into his own hands and fired home to open the scoring.  And it should have been two before the break but Archie Heath slapped the ball wide when it looked easier to score.

 

Shepton continued their ascendancy in the second half with Heath, Hall and Max Chainey breaking at pace from midfield.  Mike Spencer’s perseverance in the circle was rewarded when he finished from close range on his reverse to make it two nil before Heath made up for his earlier miss when Mark Nash found him in the circle to provide with a neat swivel and finish from eight yards out.

 

The home side fought back well with Keiran McCaul making two great saves and Philip Ballan-Whitfield clearing off the line and the pressure eventually told when they converted a short corner.  But Shepton continued to make chances of their own and the result was put beyond doubt when Boyce fired home a penalty corner for his second of the game.

 

Next week, Shepton entertain Westbury and United Banks at 2.30pm.

Man of the Match:  Ed Ogle

Dick of the Day:  Archie Heath (Trackies and misses)

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10 March  Shepton Mallet A  6   Firebrands C  1

 

Despite 2 weeks off due to the bad weather, Shepton completed their seventh consecutive victory in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 to consolidate their 4th position in the league.

Shepton nearly took the lead within the first minute when Rich Jenkin’s reverse stick shot was well saved, but Jenkin opened the scoring ten minutes later with a powerful flick from 8 yards.

Shepton wasted a couple of chances to double their before Firebrands briefly got back on level terms with a firm strike from a penalty corner.  But Shepton soon restored their lead with a good move involving Archie Heath, Max Chainey and Andy Boyce ending with Mark Nash slotting home.  Two minutes before half time, Nash turned provider squaring the ball for Andy Boyce to finish with the keeper stranded.

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Shepton’s play lack fluidity in the second half but still had too much for the visitors and Boyce made it 4-1 with an easy finish after good work from Jenkin.  Boyce then completed his second hat-trick of the season five minutes later with a fierce strike just inside the post from a short corner.  Archie Heath finished the scoring ten minutes from time when he picked up a cross from Boyce and calmly finished into the corner of the goal.

 

Man of the match:  Max Chainey

DOD:  Tom Wood (again!)

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17 Feb 2018  Shepton Mallet A  4  Keynsham  1

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Shepton made in six wins on the trot in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 to consolidate their position in 4th place.  They started nervously but slowly eased their way into the game and won their first penalty corner with good skills from Tom Wood.  Andy Boyce’s strike was saved by the keeper’s toe but the ball bounced up and struck the young defender guarding the post –resulting in a trip to A&E with a broken nose.

Facing an hour with only ten men, Keynsham resumed after the long stoppage full of spirit and had the better of the next twenty minutes despite going behind when Lewis Duchezeau crossed for Mark Nash to sweep home.  Keynsham equalised ten minutes later when a fierce reverse stick shot was deflected past the stranded Keiran McCaul in goal.  The young keeper then made a string of fantastic saves to keep the league leaders at bay before Shepton scored twice in quick succession just before half time.  First Harry Hall was on hand to finish an Andy Boyce cross before Boyce grabbed one of his own from a Duchezeau cross.

Shepton played confidently in the second half and made the game safe with a terrific goal.  Will Shean’s sublime ball from the back found Boyce who fed Duchezeau on the left wing.  His cross was met at the top of the circle by man-of-the-match Mike Spencer who swept the ball past the keeper one-handed with his reverse stick.  Mallet had further chances to extend their lead but Nash and Max Chainey both failed to hit the target from close range and then Keynsham’s keeper pulled off a great save from a Chainey screamer.

Man of the match:  Mike Spencer

DoD:  Woody (say no more – actually that was the problem Tim!)

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10 Feb 2018     Bridgwater A 2   Shepton Mallet A  3

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Mark Nash bagged his second hat-trick in three games as Shepton’s second team made it five wins on the bounce in Gocrea8 West Central Division 1.  Mallet bossed the first half and took the lead after 15 minutes.  Good work from debutant Sam Rabbets and Harry Hall set up Nash to slip the ball past the outrushing keeper with his reverse stick.  Ten minutes later it was two-nil when Max Chaney set up Nash to fire home from an acute angle.

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Bridgwater came out fighting in the second half and Shepton’s passing game lost its way.  McCaul made a terrific save from a penalty corner before Bridgwater got on the score sheet with a fierce strike that was unluckily deflected past the wrong-footed keeper.  Shepton restored their two-goal advantage when Mike Spencer took a long corner quickly and drove into the circle before slipping the ball to Nash to complete his hat-trick.

Bridgwater again cut the deficit to one five minutes from time when Shepton’s defence parted too easily, but they then regained composure to see out the game on a difficult surface.

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Man of the match:  Mark Nash

DOD:  Harry Chainey (calm down – don’t take after your father!)

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3 Feb 2018  Shepton Mallet A 5    Old Bristolians 0

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Shepton’s second team produced their best performance of the season to dismantle promotion-chasing OBs in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

Full of confidence following three wins on the bounce, they started positively, passing the ball well and their good play was rewarded when they took lead fifteen minutes in.   James Weelen fed Mark Nash who pulled the ball back for Andy Boyce to fire home.  Ten minutes later they doubled their lead.  Lewis Duchezeau won a short corner from which Tom Wood’s shot was deflected past the keeper’s pads by a defender’s stick.

 

The visitors came out fighting in the second half and started to show why they were top of the table at the start of the day.  But Shepton defended resolutely and Keiran McCaul pulled off a terrific save from point blank range when called into action.  Gaps started to open up in the OBs defence as they pushed for a goal to get them back in the game and Shepton capitalised when Andy Boyce was on hand to sweep the ball from close range.  Five minutes later Nash fed Archie Heath who reached the ball just before the outrushing keeper.  The ball ended up in the goal but a penalty flick had already been awarded for  Heath being upended.  Boyce took the opportunity to complete his hat-trick from the flick spot to make it four-nil.  Two minutes from time Shepton made it five with a superb team goal.  Max Chainey cut inside from the left and fed James Weelen, who in turn squared the ball for Duchezeau to complete the rout.

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Man of the match:  Mike Spencer

DOD:  James (no fuel) Weelen

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27 Jan 18  Bristol University D  0  Shepton Mallet A  7

 

Mark Nash led the way with four goals as Shepton dismantled Bristol University in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

Shepton started slowly and despite having the upper hand it took ten minutes to force their first penalty corner from which Andy Boyce fired wide.  But five minutes later they took the lead when James Weelen picked up the ball in the circle and arrowed a shot into the far corner.  Nash nearly made it two when his rising shot was saved by a defender’s body and Max Chainey went close when he just failed to deflect another shot from Boyce inside the post.  Mallet finally doubled their lead just before half time when Nash pushed the ball into the net after good work from Maxim Cooper and Mike Spencer.

 

Shepton continued their dominance after the break and the result never looked in doubt once Andy Boyce had smashed the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle.  Spencer continued to play provider and set up Nash for his second and third of the game, both from close range.  Shepton’s sixth came from the penalty flick spot after Max Chainey’s reverse stick shot hit a body on the line; Boyce slotted home the flick.  And six became seven when another barging run from Spencer allowed Nash to claim his fourth.

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Man of the Match:  Maxim Cooper

DOD:  Harry Chainey (unwise comment)

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20 Jan 18  Shepton Mallet A  2  Firebrands D  1

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Shepton made hard work of this mid-table clash at home in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.  They dominated possession and territory in the first half but their play was littered with unforced errors and they failed to create any clear-cut chances and trouble the Firebrands keeper.  And it was the visiting team who took the lead against the run of play when they forced the ball home following a good initial save from Keiran McCaul.

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A stern team talk was needed at half time and Shepton’s play thankfully improved after the break.  They started to attack the circle, winning their first penalty corner of the match from which Tom Wood shot wide.   But Wood was soon to make amends when his ball into the circle was deflected past the keeper at his near post by Mark Nash.  Shepton kept up the pressure and came up with the winner when a rare mistake by the Brand’s defence was punished by Tom Ward who slapped the ball home with his reverse stick from 5 yards.   Andy Boyce nearly made the game safe when his short-corner strike was well saved but Mallet jut about did enough to secure the three points and move up to fifth place in the table.

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Man of the Match:  Glenn Treasure

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13 Jan 18  Bridgwater B 3    Shepton Mallet A 4

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Shepton’s seconds picked up their first 3 points of 2018 in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1with a narrow, hard-fought win away in Bridgwater.

After an end-to-end opening with Mark Nash looking to run at the home sides’ back line at every opportunity, Shepton took the lead when Harry Hall was quick to react in a crowed circle to push the ball home from 8 yards.

Bridgwater bounced back and fifteen minutes later Shepton found themselves two-one down, conceding two scrappy goals with sloppy defending.  And it looked like the score would stay that way until half time after Max Chainey shot just wide and Andy Boyce’s effort from a short corner was cleared off the line.  But with the final move of the half, Philip Ballan-Whitfield fed Mark Nash down the left and his ball inside was picked up by Archie Heath who charged into the circle and slot the ball pass the outrushing keeper.

Shepton retook the lead a couple of minutes into the second half when Nash fired home after good work from Hall and Mallet extended the lead five minutes’ later when Nash turned provider to set up Boyce for an easy finish.  Shepton controlled the game for the next 20 minutes but failed to add any further goals which nearly proved costly.  Boyce was guilty of hitting the ball away after the whistle to receive a 2-minute suspension and Bridgwater capitalised to pull a goal back.  And a nervy last ten minutes saw the home side pile on the pressure and Shepton had Keiran McCaul to thank for some great saves to keep them out.

Next week Shepton host Firebrands D at 2.30pm in what should be a competitive mid-table clash.

Man of the Match: Philip Ballan-Whitfield

DOD:  Andy Boyce (Rarely hears the whistle)

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6 Jan 18   Shepton Mallet A 1  North Somerset A 1

 

Shepton’s second team  started the second half of their campaign in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 with a well-deserved draw at home to 4th-placed North Somerset.

Mallet started the game well, having the upper hand in the early exchanges, with Max Chainey and Mark Nash forcing good saves from the visiting keeper.  At the other end Will Sheen was in sublime form at centre back and Keiran McCaul pulled off a good save when called upon from a rare Somerset attack.

 

North Somerset moved up a gear in the second half but Shepton continued to match their opponents with good work on the flanks from Archie Heath and Harry Hall.  Both Brett Orrell and Tom Wood had good chances to score before McCaul pulled off another great save to keep the scores level.  But Shepton finally broke the deadlock half way through the half when Nash broke clear on the right and smashed the ball past the outrushing keeper.

 

Shepton had good opportunities to double their lead, especially from penalty corners but they were to rue their missed chances when North Somerset grabbed an equaliser in the last minute to deny Shepton all three points.

 

Man of the Match: Will Sheen

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16 Dec 17  Shepton Mallet A 0 Clifton Robinsons C 6

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It was a disappointing end to 2017 for Shepton’s second team in GoCrea8 West Central Division One, as they were outclassed by their promotion-chasing visitors.

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Four goals in the opening twenty-five minutes did the damage, with Shepton limited to few chances of their own save a shot from Mark Nash that flew wide and a deflection over the bar by Max Chainey from a strike by Tom Wood. Shepton dug deep in a more even second half and we...re unlucky not to grab a consolation on a couple of occasions. Archie Heath failed to get anything on a fierce cross by James Weelen and Mark Nash pushed wide when one-on-one with the Clifton keeper. The away team rubbed salt into the wounds with two more goals before the final whistle, but with five wins and a draw from their opening eleven games, Shepton’s young second team can be pleased with the first half of their season.

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MOM: WIll S DOD Woody (late, names, confusing the pub and marking)

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2 Dec  Firebrands C   1     Shepton Mallet A   3

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Shepton’s second team came out on top  in this mid-table clash in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

Shepton dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes.  Max Chainey played a through ball for Archie Heath to run on to and he then pulled the ball back for Harry Hall to push home firmly into the corner.  They doubled their lead five minutes from time through a short corner when man of the match Ben Ake slipped the ball sideways for Tom Wood to fire home.

Firebrands came out fighting in the second half, but Shepton made the game safe when Tom Ward somehow managed to flick the ball through the goalkeepers legs into the roof of the after good work from Mark Nash.  Brands scored a consolation goal five minutes later but the result was never in any doubt.

MOM:  Ben Ake

DOD Archie (4am)

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25 Nov  Westbury & United Banks C  2  Shepton Mallet A  2

 

It was a frustrating day for Shepton’s second team as they were held to a draw away at bottom club Westbury.  Shepton started slowly and failed to string any passes together until they took the lead against the run of play when Mark Nash squared the ball for Max Chainey to sweep home.    Westbury deservedly equalised on the stroke of half time when a strike from a short corner was rifled just inside the post.

Shepton’s game improved in the second half with tighter marking and Archie Heath finding more space to attack from midfield.  But they fell behind fifteen minutes in through a fierce opportunist strike from the top of the circle.  The game continued to open out with chances either end but Keiran McCaul was in fine form in goal and Tom Wood failed to beat the keeper from 10 yards.  But Shepton eventually equalised with a fine finish from Mark Nash and they could have taken all three points when Tom Ward failed to hit the target with an open goal beckoning.

Man of the match: Darrell Chainey. 

DOD:  Tom Ward

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18 Nov  Shepton Mallet A  4  Old Bristolians B  1

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Despite being one- nil down at half team, Shepton were the better side. With an unusual appearance at right back for James Weelen and the return of Will Sheen and Toby Connock, Shepton had a very strong back line despite not playing together before! Reinvigorated at half time they almost fell two behind when Tom Wood’s misplaced pass was nearly punished, but he was soon made up for his mistake. Good runs from the left wing from man of match Archie Heath caused lots of problems for OB’s defence and forwards Boyce, Ward and Nash had lots of opportunities. Shepton’s first goal came from a short corner from Will Sheen. Wood then scored himself from another corner.  Wood slipped the ball to Nash for Shepton’s 3rd goal before Tom Ward completed the scoring from an awkward angle confusing the keeper. In the last few minutes Phil Ballan-Whitfield cleared off the line to seal Shepton a 4 1 win.

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11 Nov 2017 Keynsham  4  Shepton Mallet A  1

 

Shepton’s seconds put up a valiant display before eventually going down 4-1 away at high-flying Keynsham.

Shepton started the game well with Archie Heath, Andy Boyce and Harry Hall causing problems in Keynsham’s defence.  And Shepton took the lead after ten minutes when Mike Spencer drove into the circle to win a short corner before Wood fired into the corner.  But Spencer’s run was to prove costly as he subsequently limped off with a pulled hamstring.

Keynsham equalised ten minutes later.  A 5-metre infringement was doubly penalised with a green card and a penalty corner, which was fired home through McCaul’s legs.

 

Shepton’s heads didn’t drop and they gave as good as they got with Max Chainey and Mac Jessop both nearly finding themselves one-on-one with the goalkeeper.  But a 15-minute yellow card for ill-discipline was severely punished when Keynsham grabbed two goals in quick succession shortly after the break.  And the home side put the result beyond doubt with a fourth 15 minutes from time.  Shepton rallied in the last quarter with Boyce and Hall forcing saves from the host’s keeper but they failed to cut the deficit and get back in the game.

Next week Shepton host Old Bristolians B at 2.30pm at Shepton Leisure Centre.

 

Man of the Match:  Harry Chainey

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4 Nov 2017  Shepton Mallet A  1  Bridgwater A  2

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It was a frustrating day for Shepton’s second team in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1, as they managed to lose a game they should have won.  They started brightly, setting up camp in the Bridgwater half with Lewis Duchezeau and Harry Hall, probing from midfield, and Mark Nash and Andrew Boyce rekindling an old partnership in attack.  And they took the lead after 15 minutes when Boyce fired home through the keeper’s legs from a penalty corner.

Bridgwater came back fighting and were denied an equaliser by Keiran McCaul when clean through on goal.  But they drew level shortly afterwards when they punished Shepton for conceding possession deep in their own half.

 

Shepton once again took control of the match after the break winning numerous short corners and should have taken the lead ten minutes in.  Tom Wood’s strike from a corner hit a foot on the line but unlike the previous week, Hall failed to convert the resulting penalty flick.  It was to cost Shepton fifteen minutes later when a quickly taken Bridgwater free hit was deflected past the stranded McCaul.  Mallet pushed hard in the closing minutes but failed to grab the equaliser they probably deserved.

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Man of the match:  Darrell Chainey

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28 Oct 2017  Old Bristolians A  4  Shepton Mallet A 1

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Shepton’s young second team, with half of the squad under 19,  performed well despite being well beaten in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

They fell behind after 15 minutes when an opportunist strike ricocheted in off the far post and the home side’s advantage was doubled when a pull back from the right wing was hammered home from close range.

Shepton rallied and from their second short corner, Tom Wood’s strike hit a leg on the goal line before Harry Hall calmly slotted home the resulting penalty flick.  But the home side restored their 2-goal advantage before half time with another superb strike from 15 yards that again went in off the post.

The second half was fairly even but Shepton failed to create many clear-cut chances to drag themselves back into the game and OBs put the game beyond doubt ten minutes from time when their fourth goal ended a clinical counter-attack.

Man of the Match: Maxim Cooper

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21 Oct 2017  Shepton Mallet A  2  Bristol University D  1

 

Shepton bounced back from a poor performance last week to record a narrow home victory against a skilful young team.

Shepton started the match well and dominated the opening exchanges with Nash, Duchezeau and Jessop causing havoc in the Uni defence.  But they nearly fell behind when Bristol found the net from their first penalty corner, only for the goal to be disallowed as the ball never left the circle.  And Mallet should have taken the lead before half-time when Duchezeau failed to convert a penalty flick after Nash’s shot struck a foot on the line.

 

The second half was evenly matched with both sides creating chances and winning numerous short-corners which they couldn’t convert.  But eventually Bristol broke the deadlock with a well-taken reverse stick shot.

Shepton wasted more chances to draw level and Kieran McCaul pulled off some terrific saves to keep Mallet in the game before Tom Wood finally found the net to equalise from a penalty corner.  Both sides then fought hard to grab the winner before Nash popped up 8 yards out to fire home and take all three points.

Next week Shepton face a tough away trip to Old Bristolians A.

Man of the match: Toby Connock

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14 Oct 2017    Firebrands D  3  Shepton Mallet A  1

 

Shepton’s good start to the season came to an abrupt holt when they lost away to Firebrands.  Shepton started well and dominated the first 20 minutes of the game with James Weelen often finding space on the right flank to put dangerous crosses into the circle.  And they deservedly took the lead from a short corner when Tom Wood’s initial shot was saved before Mark Nash fired home the rebound.

But this sparked the home side into action and they upped a gear to get behind the Mallet defence to equalise from close range.  Shepton nearly retook the lead when Wood’s shot from a short corner was too high to count before the home side took the lead before half time from penalty flick.

The second half was fairly with Shepton nearly getting themselves back in the game  when Wood hit the post but Firebrands sealed the victory when a right wing cross found its way through to an un unmarked player to fire home from 12 yards.

 

Man of the match: Toby Connock

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7 Oct 2017   Shepton Mallet A  4  Bridgwater B  1

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Shepton made it two wins out of two in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 with a comfortable victory at home to Bridgwater B.  Despite a sloppy start they still created some good early chances with Mark Nash, Mac Jessop and debutant Ben Ake all forcing saves.  But it was Bridgwater who took the lead against the run of play when Mallet's defence was caught napping and the visitors tapped home from close range.  But Shepton raised their game and a great move between Jessop and Ake ended with Jessop clean through and volleying ball past the outrushing goalkeeper.

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The home side moved up a gear after and dominated the second half.  Nash gave them the lead when a crash ball from Ogle was mis-controlled and Nash was on hand to poke the ball home.  Good work from Harry Chainey and James Weelen then set up Jessop to slot home his second before Chainey almost got on the score sheet himself when he hit the post from 14 yards.  But Jessop had the final say and completed his hat-trick with two minutes to go when he pounced on a rebound following Max Chainey's reverse stick shot.

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Next week Shepton travel away to Firebrands D.

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Man of the match:  Mac Jessop

DOD:  Tom Wood

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30 Sep 2017  Clifton Robinsons C 1  Shepton Mallet A  2

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Shepton’s second team made a terrific start to their campaign in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 with a surprise away win at promotion favourites Clifton Robinsons.

 

Shepton started brightly with Mike Spence and Tom Wood having plenty of possession in midfield and Mac Jessop’s pace troubling the host’s defence.  But the home club took the lead when a stray pass out of defence presented the Clifton centre forward with a gilt-edged chance that was tucked away from 12 yards.  Mallet rallied and deservedly equalised before half time.  A good run from Archie Heath set up James Weelen on the right wing to cross for Mark Nash to expertly find the bottom corner.

 

Clifton dominated possession in the second-half, restricting Shepton to the odd counter-attack but Mallet’s defence defended resolutely with Luigi Fauceglia in fine form behind them in goal.  And it was from one of Shepton’s swift breakaways that the visitors grabbed the decisive and only goal of the second half.   Darrell Chainey took a free hit quickly to release Andy Boyce on the right, and his through ball found man-of the-match Mark Nash who fired home his second from an acute angle, beating the keeper on his near post.

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MOM:  Mark Nash

DOD:  Max Chainey (we won!)

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18 Mar 2017  Bristol and West C  2  Shepton Mallet A  4

 

An excellent hard-fought away win ensured Shepton’s second team would avoid relegation from GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

 

They started very slowly and were indebted to Joe Osborne who made two excellent saves inside the first 15 minutes.  But they worked their way into the game with Archie Heath and Max Chainey finding some space out wide to feed the willing runs of Mac Jessop.  Mallet took the lead ten minutes before half time when Lewis Duchezeau’s shot from the edge of the circle was deflected in by Mark Nash.

 

Shepton maintained their good form after the break and doubled their lead when Archie Heath pounced onto a rebound after his initial shot was saved.  Mac Jessop was then in the right place at the right time to put the visitors three up.  Bristol pulled one back shortly afterwards but Tom Wood restored their three-goal advantage with a fierce strike from a penalty corner.  The deficit was cut to two again when Bristol converted a penalty corner of their own but Shepton could have been out of sight if it wasn’t for numerous fine saves by the home keeper.

 

A nervous finish saw Bristol strike the post and Osborne pull off another fine save but Shepton held firm to clinch their second away win in three weeks

 

Mallet finish the season on Saturday with a tough home fixture against title favourites Mendip at 2.30pm at Shepton Leisure Centre.

 

Man of the Match:  Joe Osborne

Dick of the Day:  Mark Nash (first ever card for Shepton)

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11 March 2017  Shepton Mallet A  2   Firebrands C  3

 

Shepton’s second team failed to capitalise on an excellent first half performance in losing at home to Firebrands in GoCreat8 West Central Division 1.

Mallet dominated the first half, playing some excellent pass and move hockey, and took the lead when Lewis Duchezeau calmly flicked the ball past the visitors’ outrushing keeper.  Joe Osborne pulled off two great saves to keep Shepton in the lead before a string of short corners just before the half time whistle, finally led to Shepton doubling their lead when Tom Wood’s strike found the bottom corner of the goal.

Firebrands came out and played like different side after the break, piling the pressure on Mallet from the second half whistle.  The home side stood firm for 15 minutes but eventually the pressure told with a neat finish from 6 yards and the visitors drew level five minutes later with a well worked short corner.  The comeback was complete when Shepton found themselves short of numbers at the back and couldn’t stop a net finish on the volley at the far post.

Shepton rallied and nearly snatched a draw when Duchezeau worked some space in the circle before firing just wide of the far post.

Next week, Shepton face a big relegation battle away at Bristol and West C.

Man of the Match:  Lewis Duchezeau

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4 March 2017  Old Bristolians A  5  Shepton Mallet A  7

 

Two goals apiece for Mark Nash, Andy Boyce and Mac Jessop helped Shepton’s second team record their first victory since November and move them 5 points clear of the relegation zone in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

 

Nash put Shepton ahead after 15 minutes when he latched onto a through-ball from Lewis Duchezeau to beat the outrushing keeper.  But 15 minutes later Shepton found themselves three-one down - two short corners and a stray back pass causing the damage.  Shepton won a short corner of their own as the half time whistle blew, and Boyce’s deflected shot found the roof of the net to give the visitors some hope going into the break.

 

A positive team talk was followed by a much-improved second-half display with crisp passing and movement off-the ball causing havoc in OB’s defence.  Jessop equalised 5 minutes into the half when he deflected in a Max Chainey cross  And Jessop grabbed his second a few minutes later when a deft touch from Duchezeau gave him a clear run to smash the ball home.  Boyce bundled in his second and Shepton’s fifth before OBs pulled one back through another penalty corner.  Mike Spencer, celebrating his 25th birthday, restored the two-goal advantage with a fine solo effort but a fourth penalty corner from OBs narrowed the gap once again. 

Mallet didn’t panic and continued to play some excellent hockey and put the game to bed when Duchezeau set up Nash to complete his brace.

 

Next week Shepton host Firebrands at 2.30pm at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre, looking to avenge a heavy defeat before Christmas.

Man of the Match:  Max Chainey

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4 Feb 2017  Shepton Mallet A  1   Bristol and West B  3

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Shepton’s struggling second team produced another brave performance but ended up second best against an experienced Bristol side.  Mallet started well with Mac Jessop and Mark Nash each forcing good saves but they conceded two sloppy goals before half time to face an uphill battle after the break.

But they matched their opponents throughout the second half and were unlucky to concede a third when a misplaced pass from Will Sheen gifted the visitors a one-on-one one which they calmly converted.  Sheen made amends ten minutes later with a fierce slap after good work from man-of-the-match Archie Heath and Mike Spencer and the score line could have been even closer as Matt Herbert was denied three times by excellent saves by the Bristol keeper.

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Next week Shepton travel to promotion-chasing Bristol University in search of their first win of 2017.

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28 Jan 2017   Old Bristolians B  2  Shepton Mallet A  0

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Shepton’s slow opening proved costly as they went down away at Old Bristolians In GoCreat8 West Central Division 1.  They got off to the worst possible start within the first minute when a ball into the circle was deflected past the stranded Osborne.  They slowly found their way into the game but had to rely on two goal-line saves from man of the match Mike Spencer to keep the score at one-nil.  However, OBs pressure eventually told when they converted a penalty corner with a flick into the roof of the net.  Shepton’s best chance of the half came when Archie Heath put Max Chainey through to draw the keeper, but he was unable to find Tom Ward  to convert at the far post.

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The game opened out in the second half with Mac Jessop and Tom Wood finding more space in midfield but Shepton failed to trouble the home keeper apart from a Ward attempt from their sole penalty corner.  At the other end, Joe Osborne was in sparkling form to keep the score line respectable with five excellent saves when a goal seemed more likely on each occasion.

 

Next week Shepton entertain Bristol and West B at 2.30pm at Shepton Leisure Centre.

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21 Jan 2017  Shepton Mallet A  1   Robinsons C  5

 

The final score line  was far from a true reflection of a game in which Shepton’s struggling second team put on a terrific performance against top of the table Robinsons.

 

Shepton started the match well with Mike Spencer and Tom Wood controlling the centre of midfield but they were unlucky to fall behind when a crash ball into the circle received the slightest of deflections giving Joe Osborne no chance in goal.  But heads didn’t drop and they equalised ten minutes later when Spencer pounced on a loose ball after good work from Andrew Boyce.  Mallet continued to match their promotion-chasing visitors with Lewis Duchezeau causing problems for their defence and Max Chainey nearly gave Shepton the lead with a sharp shot from 10 yards.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Archie Heath having the best chance to give Shepton the lead but a rash tackle in Shepton’s defending quarter proved to be the turning point with 20 minutes on the clock.  Shepton were reduced temporarily to ten men and Robinson’s converted the resulting penalty corner.  And before Shepton were back to full strength, Robinson’s made it 3-1 with a drag flick from another penalty corner.  3-1 soon became 4-1 when a through ball rebounded off the post to a Robinson’s forward.  Mallet continued to fight hard and Max Chainey set up Ambrose Hawks to be denied three times by the visitors’ keeper.  But the league leaders finished things off with a hotly disputed  goal five minutes from time.

It was a much improved performance by the home team who were didn’t seem to get the luck their performance deserved at either end of the pitch. 

Next week they travel to Bristol for an early start against Old Bristolians B.

 

Man of the Match:  Mike Spencer

DOD: HTC (passes and shoes)

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14 Jan 2017    Westbury & United Banks C  3   Shepton Mallet A  1

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First half mistakes proved costly for Shepton’s second team but the side will take confidence from a much improved display following some difficult games before Christmas.

 

They fell behind after ten minutes when a catalogue of errors resulted in two Westbury forwards bearing down on goal and finishing coolly.  But Shepton bounced back ten minutes later when cross-shot from Andy Boyce was deflected into the air into the path of Ambrose Hawks to smash the chest-high ball home from 5 yards.

 

Mallet gave as good as they got for short period with man of the match Mike Spencer and Tom Wood seeing more of the ball in midfield but they failed to break down the home defence.  Westbury regained control of the match with two goals in five minutes.  The first with a quick break after a wayward pass and the second when the defence failed to clear a loose ball.

 

A positive half-time team talk saw Shepton full of energy in the second half, with crisper and more accurate passing utilising the increased space as the home side tired.  Archie Heath and Max Chainey started linking well and twice Heath nearly pulled a goal back with persistent harrowing of the opposition’s back line.  At the other end Glenn Treasure pulled off a fantastic goal line stop from a short corner before a Shepton penalty corner led to a good save from a rare shot from skipper Darrell Chainey.

 

The second-half stalemate continued until four minutes from time when Hawks thought he had scored his second, slapping home the end of a well-worked short corner.  The goal was initially given but the decision overruled by the umpire at the opposite end who harshly ruled that the ball had not left the circle.  It was unlikely to impact the final result but would have been a well-deserved consolation for a spirited second-half display.

 

Next week Shepton entertain promotion chasing Robinson’s at 2.30pm at Shepton Leisure Centre.

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10 Dec 2016  Mendip  10  Shepton Mallet A  0

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One to forget - save ex-Malletian scoring four - we taught him all he knows.

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3 Dec 2016  Shepton Mallet A  2   Bristol & West C  0

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Omens didn’t look great when three players dropped out close to the start, leaving a bare eleven to contest this 3-pointer; but Shepton’s second team gained their first win of the season to move off the bottom and out of the relegation zone of GoCrea8 West Central Division 1.

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Shepton edged a nervy first half with the fit-again Tom Wood, James Weelen and Matt Herbert bossing the midfield allowing Shepton’s young forward line to stretch Bristol’s defence.  Max Chainey and Archie heath both had good chances to take the lead but both failed to find the work the visitors’ keeper.  Herbert pushed further forward in the second half creating numerous openings for himself and others but it took a fine solo run and strike from centre back Mike Spencer  to finally break the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining.  And he capped a man-of-the match performance soon afterwards with a head-high goal line save.  Shepton controlled the game once they went ahead and had plenty of opportunities to seal their win before Herbert eventually slotted home from close range to claim a well-deserved goal and confirm the three points.

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19 Nov 2016   Shepton Mallet A   1   Old Bristolians A   4

 

 Shepton’s disappointing run in Gocrea8 West Central Division 1 continued with a home defeat against Old Bristolians.  They fell behind early on when Joe Osborne’s initial save fell unkindly for an opposing forward to slap home from above his head.  But they responded well with Andy Boyce and Mark Nash finding some space in attack.  And they forced an equaliser when, at the end of a flowing move, Archie Heath pulled the ball back for Ambrose Hawks to fire home.  Shepton continued to play well in an evenly matched first half but went into the break a goal  down as OBs neatly finished from 8 yards.

 

Mallet made a few positional changes at half time but it back fired as they lost some control of midfield and were more exposed at the back.  Matt Herbert was denied on three occasions by the excellent OBs goalkeeper but the clinical finishing of the visiting striker was the difference between the two teams as OBs cruised to a comfortable victory with two more second half goals.

 

Shepton continue to look for their first win of the season with an away trip to Firebrands next week.

Man of the match:  Mike Spencer.

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12 Nov 2016  Shepton Mallet A  1   Keynsham  2

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Shepton succumbed to their third successive defeat despite a spirit second half performance at home to Keynsham.  The visitors dominated the first half preventing Mallet from getting into the game and creating any openings of their own.  Keynsham took the lead from their first penalty corner through an unlucky deflection past the stranded Osborne in goal.  And they doubled their lead after twenty minutes with another penalty corner strike that Shepton’s young keeper was disappointed he didn’t keep out.

Mallet came back fighting in the second half and gave as good as they got.  Hawks shot wide before Orrell was thwarted by the keeper when clean through on goal.  But he made amends 5 minutes from time with a firm finish from a short corner.  But it proved to be too little too late and left Shepton still searching for their first league win of the season.

Next week Shepton entertain Old Bristolians at 2.30 at the Leisure Centre.

Man of the Match:  Mike Spencer

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5 Nov 2016   Bristol UWE B 3 Shepton Mallet A 1

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It was a bad day in the office for Shepton’s second team as they were beaten in an early-season relegation battle by Bristol UWE. Shepton started confidently bossing the opening exchanges but when the home side got into their stride, Shepton struggled to cope with their high pressing game. UWE took the lead half way through the half when a great save from Joe Osborne unluckily fell to a Bristol striker to tap home. Shepton were two down ten minutes later when they were punished for losing possession in a promising position. UWE counter attached with electric pace as a deflected crash ball left Osborne with no chance.

Shepton fought hard after the break but their efforts reaped little reward until Max Chainey calmly finished past the outrushing keeper after good work from Tom Wood and Mike Spencer. However, UWE secured their first win of the season with a neat finish from a tight angle despite Osborne’s heroics keeping the initial shot at bay.

Shepton will look to bounce back next week at home to Keynsham at 2.30pm.

 

Man of the match: Max Chainey

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29 Oct 2016  Shepton Mallet A  0   Bristol University C  3

 

Shepton’s second team put in brave performance against the league leaders but failed to halt the visitors on their winning run.  Mallet gifted the students an early goal when a misplaced pass was pounced upon and despatched into the bottom corner, giving man of the match Joe Osborne no chance in goal.  But the home side didn’t buckle and gave as good as they got in the first half with their best chance falling to Andy Boyce who hit the post from an acute angle.

Shepton continued to fight hard in the second half but Bristol put the game beyond reach with two goals from penalty corners.  Shepton had chances of their own with Boyce twice working the keeper but in truth Mallet never looked likely to pull off a shock result and capture their first win oi the season.  Next week Shepton visit bottom of the table Bristol UWE in pursuit of their first league win of the season.

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15 Oct 2016  Shepton Mallet A  2   Old Bristolians B  2

 

Shepton picked up their first point of the season in GoCrea8 West Central Division 1 with a superb second half comeback.  Shepton started the game well with some good passing hockey that had deserted them in the previous two games.  But they conceded two quick and scrappy goals half way through the half, on both occasions failing to clear the ball when given the opportunity. Mallet heads didn’t drop and they could have pulled one back before half time when Max Chainey’s reverse stick cross failed to find the target.

After a positive team talk at half time, Shepton came out firing in the second half with Ambrose Hawks making some inroads on the right flank but it was from the left that their first goal came.  Archie Heath and Max Chainey combined well before pulling the ball back for Andy Boyce to fire into the corner.  And ten minutes later they grabbed the equaliser when Boyce fired into the circle for Mark Nash to deflect the ball home.  The final few minutes were a little frenetic with man of the match Joe Osborne pulling off a couple of great saves to keep the visitors out and to earn the point Shepton thoroughly deserved.  Next week they face a stern test away at Bristol and West B.

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8 Oct 2016   Robinsons C  4  Shepton Mallet A  0

 

Shepton’s first away game in GoCrea8 West Central 1 started badly when they fell behind within two minutes of the start.  Alex Reina unluckily deflected a cross shot past the stranded Joe Osborne for the worst possible start.  And the home side doubled their lead 5 minutes later from a well worked right wing move.  Mallet battled hard but couldn’t get going and two became three when they were punished after losing possession 25 yards out.  Shepton’s heads didn’t drop and they finally created a couple of chances of their own with Mark Nash and Andy Boyce firing wide.

After a positive team talk at half time, Shepton came out determined to compete better in the second half and they didn’t disappoint.  Matt Herbert started to find some space and his quick skills won a couple of short corners.  From one, Max Chainey’s shot was well saved and minutes later he nearly deflected a Boyce shot that whistled wide.  But Robbies, who fielded a much stronger squad than finished low down last season, had the last laugh with a scrappy finish to complete the scoring.

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Man of the Match:  Matt Herbert

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1 Oct 2016  Shepton Mallet A  2   Westbury & UB C  3

 

Shepton’s seconds kicked off their campaign in GoCrea8 West Central 1, with a hard fought narrow defeat against their visitors from Bristol.  Shepton, fielding eight of last year’s third team, started the game positively and exchanged early blows with Westbury.  Callaghan had two good chances to put Shepton in front before Osborne made a  great save to keep the scores level.  But Westbury took the lead before half time with a calm finish at the far post.

 

The second half continued in a similar vein with both sides creating half chances but Shepton drew level after ten minutes when Mac Jessop flicked the ball home from close range.  Westbury then took control again with a good finish at the end of a quick break and for a long period this looked like giving them the victory.  But more drama was to follow when, with three minutes left, Shepton won a penalty corner from which Lewis Duchezeau fired an unstoppable shot into the corner.  However, within sixty seconds of the restart, with Mallet’s defence too static Westbury grabbed their third and the win with a knockout blow.  It was cruel on Shepton but there were plenty of positives to take into the rest of the season for their new team, inexperienced at this level, starting with their next game away at Robinsons C.  Man of the match:  Alex Reina.

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24 Sept 2016    Shepton Mallet A  2  Bath Buccs F  1

 

Shepton’s second team warmed up for their league campaign, which starts this Saturday, with a well-deserved victory at home to Bath Buccs. Shepton were slow to get going with a lack of movement and basic errors letting them down and they fell behind after 20 minutes from a clean short-corner strike.  But this seemed to wake them up and they responded shortly afterwards with a perfect short-corner routine of their own when Andy Boyce stopped for Tom Wood to fire home.  Shepton then started to play the better hockey with young wide midfielders Archie Heath and Max Chainey finding plenty of space to ignite their attacks.  Hugo Broad, Heath  and Chainey all went close before the pressure finally told and Boyce’s reverse-stick flick found the roof of the net.

 

It was an encouraging performance by a much-changed team from last season with the introduction of a number of young players from last year’s third team as well as veteran and man of the match Glenn Treasure. 

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Shepton Mallet A 3 Bridgwater C 4

 

This week Shepton Mallet men’s 2nds welcomed Bridgewater, and both sides were pleased the rain stopped in time for push back. The game started quickly and attacks occurred at both ends in the first few minutes. Shepton took the lead through Mark Nash whose hard work and link up with Bret Orel paid off.

 

Bridgwater’s forwards had pace a plenty and after conceding they came on the attack scoring almost immediately. The Shepton defence were then ...under pressure and quickly this was telling. In a 15 minute spell Shepton afforded Bridgewater too much space and as a result the visitors scored twice more.

 

This sparked Shepton into life, defenders James Weelen, Andy Campbell Ord, Des Osborne and Michael Spencer tightened up their marking. With stability restored at the back, the midfield grew in confidence. The ball came down the right via Tom Wood, his pass picked up by Orel, a cool dribble and shot created a 2nd home goal.

 

At the break, Shepton knew they had a chance of taking the win. They defended tightly and this paid off as Bridgwater had few flurries into the Shepton half. Despite this, Shepton could not find a goal. Eventually though Nash rounded the keeper but was taken out by the last man. A penalty flick was dispatched expertly by Phillips tyres man of the match Bret Orel.

 

Shepton were then caught out in a rare Bridgwater break that resulted in their fourth. Shepton worked hard but could not score again. Dropped points but a good team performance

 

17 Oct 2015          Robinsons C 1 - 4 SMHC Men's 2s

 

In contrast to last week's hard fought victory, this week saw a far more confident team take to the pitch away to Robinsons. Shepton's movement and strong press was telling from the start. It wasn't long until this was translated into goals. Midfielders Mat Herbert & Tom Wood were working hard to find the telling pass. It was Wood who succeeded first, passing though to Mark Nash for his first goal.

The same combination created the 2nd goal soon after with a strong cross from Wood expertly turned in by Nash. Robinsons were surprised by the ferocity of the Shepton attack and could not handle their movement or pace. All over the pitch the team were making themselves available with the ball and pressing hard without it.

 

A further attack down the right wing saw Andy Boyce and James Weelen combine, Boyce's cross was swept towards the top corner by Weelen to take it to 3 nil. At this point Shepton were rampant. Robinsons play was broken down easily. Another shot from Weelen was stopped by the keeper only to picked by Nathan Burnell who guided it goal-bound for the 4th.

 

Towards the end of the first half Shepton began to tire though and Robinsons capitalised with a goal of their own.

A strong team talk at half time to prepare for the increased pressure from Robinsons was required. The pressure came but a fine defensive display, especially from Phillips Tyres' man of the match Glen Treasure, was impossible to break down.

To the end, Shepton defended resolutely and every player gave 110% to ensure the match was closed out with a win.

 

Elliot Wilson was awarded DoD for his somewhat early arrival to the game and a finely executed fall just before his 1st touch.

 

10 Oct   Shepton Mallet A   1 - 0   Bristol UWE C

 

After 2 straight losses from their first league games Shepton were determined to make amends against Bristol UWE C. However, with the bare 11, Shepton knew it was going to be a hard-fought battle.

Back in a midfield position, Andy Boyce put UWE under pressure with some great through balls that the forwards were not quite able to latch onto. After 20 minutes the ball had not been in the Shepton half, the whites really were on top.

Several fine short corner routines were completed, all narrowly missing the target, but then a deflected shot resulted in Mark Nash battling with the UWE defence as the ball went overhead. Despite their keeper reaching high into the air the ball went over the line. Unfortunately though, the goal was disallowed.

Disappointed Shepton then came under some pressure as UWE found their feet in the game and came on the attack. However, with little end product, goalkeeper Keiran Mccaul was never really tested.

As Shepton regained control Andy Campbell Ord made a fine return to action with powerful runs down the left wing, and was unlucky not to score. His efforts were matched down the right by James Weelen who drove round the back only for the resulting cross to narrowly miss conversion from Jack Sharp.

At half time Shepton knew they were the stronger team and focussed on simple passing to keep pressure on UWE. Shepton soon made good on their team talk and broke the ball down quickly and managed a stronger possession game. Despite this, no goals were forthcoming!

Eventually though, the pressure became too much for UWE with Shepton mixing up their attack. Tim Clarke distributed the ball well, patiently looking for the one telling opportunity. The chance finally came to Mark Nash, with great umpiring allowing the advantage to be played, he latched onto a loose ball and somehow guided it over the line.

UWE fought back strongly but a slip saw a nasty injury to a UWE player. After this they struggled to penetrate the Shepton D. Andy Boyce (DoD) took a green card for a "robust challenge", but Shepton were still bossing the midfield.

Tom Wood's tenacious tackling, combined with resolute defending from Paul Townsend and Phillips Tyre's man of the match Leo Boot, saw UWE efforts at a revival thwarted. The final 10 minutes were played out with Shepton holding possession strongly.

First points of the season in the bag.