Somerset County League
Division 2
Monday 1st May 2023
Kick Off 15.00 On Time!
Imperial 1 Peasedown Miners Welfare 2, attendance 72
32’ 0-1
79’ 1-1
80’ 1-2
@ South Bristol Sports Centre
West Town Lane
Bristol
BS14 9EA
No Admission or Programme.
I had been to South Bristol Sports Centre back in October 2019, when I saw Wessex Wanderers play a Bristol Suburban League match on the 3G pitch. Imperial play on a grass pitch here, so another visit was required. I actually attempted to come here on Easter Monday, when they were due to host league leaders Combe St. Nicholas. Well, I actually arrived, but the game had been postponed due to a ‘waterlogged’ pitch. It was in perfect condition and the sun was out. I was absolutely astounded it was off, but these things happen from time to time. More annoyingly, another option I had that day, just 5 miles from our overnight stay in Exeter, took place!
Anyway, I decided to make another attempt today. This time there was no problem with the weather and the club had confirmed via Twitter that all was good, so fingers crossed. It was a big game as far as the promotion places went. Either Combe St. Nicholas or Ashcott (56 points each, 4 games left) will win the league, with a three way fight for the final promotion place between Imperial (45 pts, 2 to play) Cutters Friday (41 pts, 4 to play) and Peasedown Miners Welfare (41 pts, 3 to play).
It was a cagey first half, but Peasedown managed to break the deadlock after thirty two minutes, touching in a right wing cross at the near post. It looked like that might be enough to take the points, but with eleven minutes left Imperial drew level, when a flick on sent the winger clear and he finished superbly into the far top corner. It took less than a minute for the visitors to regain the lead though, when a cross in from the left saw a striker nip in front of the ‘keeper to poke the ball in from 6 yards and they weren’t going to let the points slip from there.
The M25, M3 and M4 were as quiet as I can ever remember on a Bank Holiday, without a single delay either way and after today’s visit, I am left with just Cutters Friday to complete the entire league now.
