Chill Out.

---

Intro

Just 8 teams are competing in the Mid-Somerset League Division Two this season, but it seems like game time for these teams has been boosted by a number of cup competitions. Of those 8 teams, 6 are either a Reserve or A Team.

3 sides have completed their league season already, while today represents the last league match of the season for Pensford. They are yet to lose a game in the league this season, and in fact have only failed to win on one occasion; that draw – a 2-2 tie – came at the end of September against now 2nd bottom Westfield FC A. There have been cup defeats along the way, including a potentially morale-destroying 7-1 home defeat to Shepton Mallet Reserves who are currently storming the next league up.

Chilcompton Sports A have had a bit of a mixed season so far – recently having lost twice to bottom side and village rivals Chilcompton United (once in the league and once in the Wilmott Cup), but defeating 2nd place Coleford Athletic Reserves 6-1 in Coleford. They are yet to draw this season, so goals seem guaranteed today! In December Pensford and Chilcompton Sports A faced off at Pensford Recreation Ground; a game that finished 5-2 to the Viaducts.

---

The Ground

Chilcompton Sports Ground is a sizeable and very pleasant place to enjoy football. It is on the edge of the village and boasts an impressive pavilion with bar and café. There are a number of pitches on this site, including the main pitch on which this game wasn’t being played today. I believe this is because the first team is due to take on Chard Town at home in the Somerset County Premier Division later this afternoon. The A Team’s game was taking place on the pitch beyond the main one; no more than a standard football pitch, but with scenic views across the nearby fields and beyond. I will discuss the main pitch more when I inevitably get to a first team home game.

---

The Match

Pensford looked every inch the league champions from the very outset, and were causing Chilcompton all sorts of problems through their experienced strike partnership of Ricky Bush and Tom Durston. The former forced his way through the home defence on 2 minutes, but his shot was deflected wide. Soon after, a Sports defender nearly had the ball in his own net, preventing a certain Pensford goal in the process but conceding a corner. The opening goal came on 6 minutes – Bush heading into the ground from a corner, the ball bounced off the crossbar and it fell favourably for Durston to tap in from point-blank range. And the visitors doubled their lead a minute later – Bush went on another direct run, he let fly and the ball cruelly deflected over the Chilcompton keeper Adam Diamond. Bush nearly turned provider on 13 minutes as he sent a lofted ball towards Rob Dixon who took the volley on first time, but it was well saved by Diamond. Against the run of play the hosts almost found themselves right back into the game – a superb shot from Scott Newton smacked off the bar to safety. 9 minutes of the half were remaining when Chilcompton did get their goal. A ferocious free kick was saved by Connor Chapman, but the rebound was tucked home by Sports’ number 4. The one goal deficit didn’t last long as the home side failed to deal with a Pensford corner and Durston poked a volley past Diamond. It should have been 4-1 on 40 minutes, but a combination of Diamond and woodwork kept the score down and the Pensford attackers out. A good spell at the end of the half for Chilcompton saw Leo Fleming go close with an off-target shot from the edge of the area, before a back post header flew just wide of the target.

Pensford almost got off to the perfect start, but Diamond thwarted the early attack with a good save. And Diamond was called into action again soon after; this time a one-on-one save with his legs from Durston. At the other end of the pitch Fleming was causing the Pensford defence problems. All on his own he managed to win a corner when out numbered by defenders – his shot deflected over by a defender. Fleming was brought down in the area on 54 minutes – it seemed like a pretty cut-and-dry decision. Newton took on the responsibility and left Chapman rooted to the spot with his penalty. It was game on, but Chilcompton were struggling to really test the visiting defensive unit. Pensford were also looking less of a threat now. Bush nearly got his 2nd of the game but was denied by the feet of Diamond. With a couple of minutes of the 90 remaining Chilcompton were reduced to 10 men as number 17 was shown a second yellow card.

The visitors held out for the win and completed their invincible season. They’ll be playing in Division One next season, and I hope to get to a match.

---

The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE