Bris are pegged back in crunch title showdown

BRISLINGTON Juniors Under-10s and Bath City fought out a 3-3 draw in a competitive top-of-the-table Division B encounter.

Jake Harris and Jed Tregidgo were the first-game marksmen for Brislington. But, despite a man-of-the- match display by keeper Ben Williams, Bath City struck twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

The second match proved a thrilling affair as Jay Cooper smashed Bris into the lead, only for Bath to equalise again.

George Harper remained solid at the back for Brislington, while star man Harry Keen battled hard as the contest finished 1-1.

Division A title contenders Bristol Rovers SCJ Under-10s took three points from their latest outing, but gallant opponents Thornbury Town came away with plenty of positives.

An early Rovers goal by Harrison Neil did not discourage Thornbury, who produced a wave of well worked attacks in game one. Jack Taylor and Fraser Moss exchanged quick passes, while speedy striker Toby Rogers and Ben Gadish were always a danger.

Thornbury deservedly equalised through Gadish following a fine run and shot from Taylor and they were unlucky to finish the match on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline as Rovers star performer Isaiah Crawford converted a fine winner from distance.

Rovers grabbed the lead in the opening seconds of game two with a sizzling strike by Archie Parry.

Thornbury pushed forward hard, with Harry Baker's speed and tricky footwork always a threat. Despite strong defending from Cam Hawkins and Ollie Morgan, Rovers made it 2-0 through Finlay Coombs, but Thornbury replied when a fine Brandon Dack free-kick led to Leighton Tuodolo blasting in from close range.

The home team extended their lead to 3-1, Coombs signing off his time with Rovers with a second goal before departing for Bristol City's academy, while Thornbury keeper Theo Hutchinson made a series of fine second-half saves to deny Coombs and his team further joy. Max Kent was named Rovers' man-of-the-match after a battling performance at the back.

Ashton Boys A Under-10s came away with an important 5-3 aggregate victory over hosts Bitton after a classic 'six-pointer' involving two of Division A's bottom sides.

With Harry Dowling a constant threat, Ashton won the first game 2-1. Riley Llewellyn was Bitton's scorer, while Jai Macleod and Owen Humphries impressed in midfield.

Two quickfire goals gave Ashton a flying start in the second game before the hard-working Harvey Brooks pulled one back for Bitton.

Ashton regained their two-goal advantage and, although Brooks grabbed a deserved second goal for Bitton, the visitors held on for a 3-2 win, just the job ahead of their cup semi-final clash on February 26.

In Division C, Frampton Rangers Under- 10s continued their fine form with a convincing 8-0 win over AEK Boco.

A long-range Ben Johnson strike gave them the lead and Kieran Sullivan added a second before Tommie Bright hit a hat-trick to complete a 5-0 victory. Hard-working midfielder Kai Peeling took the man-of-the-match award.

Early second-game goals from Justin Hall, Michael Jones and James Johnson gave Frampton a 3-0 lead at the break. However, despite clever attacking play from star man Justin Hall and James Johnson, they were unable to find the net again.

Guy Sheppard and Adam Butcher hit hat-tricks and Liam Price scored twice for Bitton Under-9s in an 11-1 win over Avon Athletic.

The rampant home team took the first game 6-1. Herbie McMullun opened the scoring before Callum Shurland levelled for Avon. However, second-half goals from Guy Sheppard, Harvey Nott and Mitchell Dann earned the home side a comfortable victory.

Bitton were equally dominant in game two, a hat-trick by Butcher and two goals from Price wrapping up a 5-0 success.

In Division C, two great games of football ended with Stoke Lane Under-9s beating Thornbury Town 7-2.

Lane went 1-0 up through man-of-the-match Oakley Dawes, only for Thornbury to equalise shortly afterwards and then take the lead early into the second half.

Late pressure from Lane ensured a successful comeback as Charlie Sagar and then Tom Isaac, a minute from time, both struck to clinch a 3-2 victory.

Stoke Lane came out for the second match with all guns blazing, going two up early on through Marko Madaras and Cameron Tuckett. Jonathan Mead made it 3-0 with a superb solo effort and a Karim Halia thunderbolt rounded off a deserved 4-0 win.

Under-11s round-up: Page 8