Uhlsport Somerset County League

Premier Division

Middlezoy Rovers 2, Wrington Redhill 0

MIDDLEZOY Rovers returned to league action in winning fashion on Saturday, seeing off Wrington Redhill at a blustery Aerodrome.

With strong winds it was always going to be a scrappy game, and with the visitors having the wind in their favour for the first half they had the better chances.

Wrington's high press was making it difficult for Zoy to get out, and they had goalkeeper Greg Turner to thank for two fine one-on-one saves during the half.

When the hosts did get out, they created some chances of their own, the most notable falling to Steve Hall, who was stopped by a last-ditch tackle when played clean through by Dan Luce.

It remained 0-0 at half-time, though Zoy were the happier of the sides knowing they had the wind in their favour come the second period.

It took just five minutes from the restart for the home side to gain the lead, as a short corner from Aaron Whaites was played to Jed Williams, who beat his man and drilled a low cross across the six-yard box for Callum Laird to tap in his third goal in two games.

Although Zoy had the majority of the possession in the second half, Wrington looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and the hosts again had Turner to thank for preserving their lead.

With five minutes to go, Alex Male did well in the midfield and his through ball sent Williams haring forward to tuck the ball past the onrushing keeper to finish the game off.

Man of the match: Greg Turner & Charlie Lintell

With seven wins from eight games, Middlezoy sit seventh in the table – just four points off fourth, with games in hand on all the teams above them.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, ko 7.30pm), Zoy visit second-placed Fry Club, and on Saturday (ko 3pm) they are away to Shirehampton, who are fifth.

In Division 3, Middlezoy Rovers Reserves saw their 10-match winning streak come to an end as they were held 1-1 at Winscombe Reserves.

Lee Graham netted for Zoy, who remain top with six games to play, five of which are at home.
They are two points ahead of second-placed Hutton, who have two games in hand.

On Saturday, Zoy host second-from-bottom Congresbury (3pm).

South West Women’s League Premier Division
Downend Flyers 0, Middlezoy Rovers 3

MIDDLEZOY Rovers Ladies made it back-to-back wins after coming through a game of two halves away to Downend Flyers on Sunday.

A very strong breeze blew down the 3G pitch and Middlezoy – playing into the wind – initially found it difficult to get the ball forward.

But they were then able to get the ball down and play, being rewarded after 10 minutes, when a low through ball found Chelsea Day, who hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box into the net.

The visitors did well to contain Downend, given the fierce wind, but they were indebted to goalkeeper Lindsay Rogers and her terrific double save in keeping them ahead at the break.

Middlezoy had the wind behind them after the restart and took some time to adjust.
Georgia Coles hit the crossbar with a ferocious drive from 20 yards, and Day was then denied by the keeper.

The second goal came on the hour, as Nicole Bell picked up a loose ball in midfield, strode forward and blasted a tremendous shot from 30 yards out which went in off the inside of the post.

There was no easing off from the visitors, and after Rosie Williams had hit the post, Teri-Lou Fox’s left-wing cross was volleyed home by Devon Rich on 80 minutes.

This was a fine performance in tricky conditions, keeping Zoy sixth. This Sunday sees them travel to Ilminster Town (2pm).