Boxing Day's South & West Division review

27 Dec 2016 By David Watters

Division 1 South & West news

With runaway leaders Hereford FC not in Boxing Day action, it was an opportunity for the chasing pack in the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West to make up some ground on the Bulls, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

However, second-placed Tiverton Town were beaten 2-0 at Wordsworth Drive by now seventh-placed neighbours Taunton Town in front of a terrific crowd of 786.

Jordan Rogers came off the substitutes' bench to score twice in the 47th and 76th minutes as the Peacocks extended their winning run to seven matches.

And to make it even better for the leaders, third-placed Evesham United also suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Shortwood United, who are now eighth.

Despite taking a 33rd minute lead through Liam Harding, Evesham were undone by Matt Bennett on 55 minutes and Jake Lee 10 minutes from time.

An excellent 943 were at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium to see Salisbury FC beat third-bottom AFC Totton 2-0 with goals from Lewis Benson and Justin Bennett within four minutes of each other shortly after the break.

Steve Claridge`s side are now fifth and above Swindon Supermarine, who were held to a 3-3 WebbsWood Stadium draw by North Leigh.

Dan James gave the visitors a 17th minute lead that Josh Parsons cancelled out right on half-time, only for former 'Marine player Bradley Gray to restore North Leigh`s lead almost immediately afterwards. Connor Thompson put Marine ahead again but a goal two minutes into stoppage time from James earned the visitors a point.

Mangotsfield United are fourth after winning 3-1 at Yate Town where Mitch Tippins and Matty Groves had the Mangos two-up by the break.

Luke Bryan reduced the deficit just past the hour-mark, only for Lewis Powell to restore Mangos` two-goal advantage three minutes later.

The biggest crowd of the day, 983, saw Bideford win Devon honours with a 1-0 success at Barnstaple Town, courtesy of a 17th minute Kai Fisher effort.

Didcot Town beat second-bottom neighbours Wantage Town 3-1 at the Loop Meadow with second half goals from Louis Joyce, Nick Thorne and a Ben Whitehead penalty – all after the Alfredians had led through Mark Francis` 19th minute opener.

Elsewhere, Paulton Rovers trailed neighbouring Larkhall Athletic 2-0 at the break, through Jamie Lyons and Joe Tumelty, but Elliott Gibbons straight after the break and then Josh Ford salvaged a point for the hosts in a 2-2 draw.

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

Boxing Day's Premier Division review Leamington could only manage a point from their derby against Stratford Town on Boxing Day but still head into the New Year holding a five-point lead at the top of the EVO-STIK League Southern's Premier Division table, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Former player remembered at fixture Cirencester Town and Chippenham Town held a minute's silence before drawing 3-3 in the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight on Boxing Day for former Centurions development player James Smith who died before Christmas.