Premier & First Division Cup

Middlezoy Rovers 2, Saltford 0

MIDDLEZOY took a break from league action on Saturday as they continued their pursuit for some silverware with a cup quarter-final against Division 1 Saltford.

Although Saltford were in the league below, Zoy knew it was going to be a tough game and they would have to be at their best to progress through to the semi-finals.

The opening stages were played at a very high pace with both sides looking to get an early foothold in the game.

The first chance fell to Zoy as a powerful pile driver from the edge of the 18 yard box from Johnny Higgins was brilliantly tipped onto the post by the Saltford keeper.

Saltford played the ball around well but were struggling to break down the solid Zoy midfield and defence as it was Zoy who were looking the more likely to take the lead.

The next Zoy chance came following an Aaron Whaites corner as a goalmouth scrabble resulted in Steve Hall, Adam Long and finally Jake Horsey all having shots blocked within the six-yard box.

With the half coming to a close, Long broke down the left and cut the ball back to the onrushing Dan Luce, who saw his shot heading for the bottom corner brilliantly saved by the keeper to keep his side in it and ensure the scores were level going into half-time.

The second half was a fairly even affair with Saltford having the better of the early possession as Lintell, Laird, Horsey and Brown working very hard to restrict opportunities and leaving Saltford frustrated having not testing Greg Turner in the Zoy goal.

In a tight game it looked like neither side were going to find that elusive break through until, with 20 minutes to go, a ball into the box by Jed Williams was heading for Whaites at the far post when he was pushed in the back to win his side a penalty.

Callum Laird stepped up and made no mistake giving the keeper no chance.

From here Zoy just had to see the game out and they did this well with Turner not having a save to make.

With Saltford pushing forward, Zoy were able to finish the game off on the counter.

A brilliant move saw Long play in Williams down the left, his cutback to the edge of the box found Luce.

His first time ball played in Laird, who hit home across the keeper to find the bottom corner, finish the game off and send Zoy into the semi finals.

MOM: Adam Long

Bridgwater Town Reserves were knocked out on penalties by Keynsham Town Reserves after a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Town are back on league duty this week, hosting Burnham United tomorrow (7.45pm) and Minehead on Saturday (3pm).

Division 3 leaders Middlezoy Rovers Reserves return to action at Winscombe Reserves on Saturday.