Somerset Second Division Cup

Weston St John’s 2, Highbridge Town FC 5

HIGHBRIDGE Town manager Matt Pitt has backed his side to have ‘a very successful season’ after they thrashed Weston St Johns 5-2 in the group stages of the Second Division Cup.

Two goals apiece from Chris Taylor and Mike Green and one from Ryan Elliott sealed a comprehensive win for Town, but Pitt admits his side were slow off the mark – and not for the first time this season.

“We started very slow and off the pace again which is a concern,” he said.

“But when we do put it all together we look such a strong force that will take some stopping.

“We were very fortunate to go in a goal up after the first half in which St John’s created far more chances and should have put a few of them away, but we learned after the first 45 and came out a lot more aggressive and assertive in the second period and could have had more than the five.

“If we keep everyone fit and playing then we are only going to get stronger as a unit.

“We are currently scoring 4.5 goals a game and if we continue this then it will be a very successful season for Highbridge Town first team.”

Town struck first on 40 minutes with Ryan Elliott taking his goal well on his first start of the campaign – and three minutes later after good football in the build up from Chris Taylor and Scott Harman, Rich Cattell was brought down inside the box and Taylor dispatched the resulting penalty to give Town a two goal lead against the run of play.

But St Johns did finally get there deserved goal right before half-time when a mix up at the back allowed them through on goal.

After the break Town came out looking a lot more assertive and regained a two goal cushion when Taylor rounded the keeper and slid into an empty net.

Substitute Mike Green then found the net for the two remaining Town goals, both finishing well when put through, before St Johns grabbed a late consolation to finish the game 5-2.

Team : S Bailey, B King, S Green, S Walford, K Powell, C Hirons ( C ) J Hirons, S Harman, R Elliott, R Cattell & C Taylor Subs: S Fouracres, M Green & S Massingham