Saturday's Evo-Stik South, West Review

17 Dec 2017 By Jack Moore

With leaders Taunton Town on Buildbade FA Trophy duty on Saturday, the chasing pack had the opportunity to make up some ground in the Evo-Stik League South, West.

But the Peacocks are still a massive twelve points clear.

That`s because Bristol Manor Farm, who started the day in second spot, had o make do with a point from a 2-2 draw at lowly Shortwood United.

It looked like being a different story at half-time though, as Manor Farm led 2-0 with goals from Troy Simpson on the half-hour mark and an Andrew Davies own goal 9 minutes later.

But Shortwood battled back after the break, with Joe White after 61 minutes and then Nick Humphreys on 72 minutes, pulling them back on level terms.

AFC Totton slipped above Manor Farm into second on goal difference after hammering bottom side Bishops Cleeve 6-0 at Testwood Stadium.

It was all over bar the shouting at half-time with the Stags already 4-0 ahead, thanks to a hat-trick from Craig Feeney in the 14th, 24th and 42nd minutes, Curtis Young netting the other on 17 minutes.

Alfy Whittingham on 57 minutes and Tony Lee 7 minutes from time added to the Stags` tally in the second period.

Salisbury FC are just a point behind the second and third-placed sides after winning 2-0 at fifth-bottom Paulton Rovers.

Steve Claridge`s side, beaten 4-1 at Taunton last time out, took a 10th minute lead through Owen Howe and Eddie Perrett doubled that lead 6 minutes later.

The Whites moved above neighbours Wimborne Town, who were beaten 1-0 at home by Didcot Town, who are now eighth, and Bideford, beaten 2-1 at home by Yate Town.

An early 9th minute Adam Learoyd effort eventually proved enough for the Railwaymen, while in Devon, Ryan Turner gave Biddy a 12th minute lead that was overhauled by Nkosi Mzungwana after 65 minutes and Steve Davies 7 minutes from time.

Cirencester Town beat fourth-bottom Slimbridge 4-0 at the Corinium Stadium, courtesy of a Ben Whitehead hat-trick in the 33rd, 38th and 65th minutes – Aiden Bennett adding the other in the 83rd minute.

And second-bottom Barnstaple Town suffered a 2-0 defeat at Larkhall Athletic, whose Joe Tumelty after 17 minutes and then Cory Simpson 9 minutes from time, were on target.

By Steve Whitney