Saturday's South & West review

By David Watters

Hereford FC were the favourites of most pundits for the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West title, despite only winning promotion from the Midland League at the end of last season, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

And the Bulls made it five wins from five games – fellow newcomers Barnstaple Town being their latest victims.

Hereford fans boosted the Mill Road crowd to a bumper 707 and the majority of those went home happy after goals from Mike Symons after 12 minutes and John Mills eight minutes before the break.

Tiverton Town, Swindon Supermarine and Slimbridge all remain unbeaten after five games.

Tivvy inflicted a fourth defeat on Ian Saunders` Winchester City side on their own patch, with second half goals from Owen Howe, Jamie Price and a brace from Michael Landricombe – brother of striker Levi – doing the damage.

A pre-match thunderstorm caused `Marine`s home game against Shortwood United to be postponed, while Slimbridge drew for a third time, 2-2 at home against a Wantage Town side for whom this was just a second point of the campaign to date.

Todd Hathaway gave the Alfredians a ninth minute lead that Harvey Scholes doubled eight minutes later. But Liam Orchard on 21 minutes and John Cant 10 minutes later restored parity.

Bishops Cleeve recorded their first win of the season, handing visiting AFC Totton`s fourth defeat by the odd goal in five.

Aaron Drake gave Cleeve a 23rd minute lead that Ben Hayes added to in the 37th minute. Neil Williams reduced the deficit five minutes before the break and then the sides swapped last-gasp goals – Ieuan Crowe for the hosts and Adam Pearson for the Stags.

Another fancied side, Wessex Football League champions Salisbury FC enjoyed a third win to date, 2-1 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium in front of 478 against Mangotsfield United.

The Mangos led through loanee Olly Mehew`s 15th minute opener right until minutes from time when Elliott Wheeler equalised and then Kane O`Keefe won it for Steve Claridge`s side four minutes from time.

Wimborne Town won for a fourth time in impressive fashion, 3-0 at Yate Town.

Stefan Penny after 18 minutes and then Toby Holmes five minutes after the break and Jamie Stokoe four minutes later sealed the Magpies win.

North Leigh enjoyed a good win at relegated Paulton Rovers by the same scoreline.

Jamie Cook bagged a brace in the 46th and 61st minutes, with Stuart Hole making sure with a third 18 minutes from time.

Ollie Chamberlain settled the Somerset derby in injury-time in Taunton Town`s favour at Wordsworth Drive against Bridgwater Town in front of a crowd of 379.

But there were no goals at the Loop Meadow Stadium between Didcot Town and Larkhall Athletic.

Evesham United beat relegated Bideford 2-0 at The Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium with goals from Paul Fahy after 33 minutes and Elliot Kennedy six minutes after the break.

Where next?

Stalwart skipper is the club daddy! Ashford Town skipper Russell Canderton is looking forward to reaching his next playing milestone for the EVO-STIK League Southern's Tangerines after making his six hundredth appearance for the Middlesex club.
Saturday's Premier Division review Chippenham Town remain the only unbeaten team in the EVO-STIK League Southern's Premier Division after Saturday`s matches but the Bluebirds had to make do with a point, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

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