Like A Tun Of Bricks.

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Intro

It’s been a season to forget for Tunley Athletic who have lost all 25 of their league games so far. Today represents their final chance to win a point and reduce their minus-136 goal difference. The Miners also finished bottom last season – although they did win a few matches – so presumably aren’t necessarily doomed to demotion to the Mid-Somerset League. On Saturday they managed a goal against promoted Sporting Weston, but unfortunately conceded 9. They had to wait until their 7th game of the season before managing to find the back of the net – 2 goals against St George Easton-in-Gordano. Athletic have lost to Draycott twice already this season – in the League Cup where the side from near Cheddar won 6-0, before Draycott won 4-1 in the league in March.

Draycott are 10th in this league of 14 sides, and are currently on a run of 3 successive defeats. However before that they won 4 in a row, rounding off with an impressive 4-1 away win at league champions Sporting Weston. Like todays opponents, Draycott have been on the receiving end of some heavy defeats this season, including an 11-2 thrashing at St George Easton-in-Gordano, and an 8-2 loss to Cutters Friday. Interestingly Draycott finished in 10th position last season. With 3 games left to play they could only realistically finish as high as 9th this time round.

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The Ground

Tunley is a tiny village between Bath and Paulton with just a pub and a recreation ground by way of facilities. The recreation ground is home to Tunley Athletic and, for the last few years, Chew Magna FC. It lies just south of the main road through the village, and overlooks the valley towards nearby Peasedown and Radstock. There is a good sized car park, and a building which houses the changing facilities as well as a small bar and refreshment kiosk. The pitch is on a reasonable slope, tilting away from the near end. On one touchline are the dugouts, and at the far end of this side is a small covered stand.

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The Match

Draycott had the first attack of the match after starting on the front foot. A shot was charged down, leading to a corner which came to nothing. The visitors really should have scored on 14 minutes. Archie Smith sent a low ball towards the far post where Pete Symons was waiting. However his shot was mis-hit and Tunley were able to smuggle the ball behind. A goal kick was awarded, despite the home defense seemingly knocking the ball behind. At the other end of the pitch Kieran Prince had the first effort for the Miners, but his long range shot was comfortably wide. Archie Smith took aim for the visitors 2 minutes later. It was a well struck shot but was narrowly wide. Tunley keeper Ryan Edmunds appeared to be struggling to reach it had it been on target. Draycott broke away with a few minutes of the first half remaining; Harry Roynon leading the attack was being pursued by a couple of Tunley defenders. Roynon shot early but sliced his effort wide of the post. A minute later Athletic’s Charlie O’Brien received the ball in the box, but scuffed his shot making it easy for Luke Andrews in the Draycott goal. In any case, the linesman flagged for offside.

The visitors opened the scoring 3 minutes into the 2nd half. It was a great strike from Archie Smith which gave Edmunds no chance. Draycott almost doubled their lead 4 minutes later but the header from a corner was straight at Edmunds. Prince had another effort from range on the hour mark. This time it was on target but straight at Luke Andrews. A minute later the hosts had a corner. As the ball was sent into the area the referee blew for a foul. He unexpectedly pulled out a red card and showed it to Draycott’s Doug Smith. No one was entirely sure why. Despite being a man down, Draycott continued to push for a 2nd goal. Symons heading over from a deep free kick with just over 15 minutes remaining. 5 minutes later the visitors did get their 2nd; a good run by Roynon who squared the ball to Jonny Smith who applied the finish at the back post. Sam Tyler headed home for Tunley after an effort from inside the box hit the bar. This made the final 5 minutes interesting as the Miners searched desperately for their first point of the season. Substitute Dan Sparkes nearly got the leveller as he met a cross somewhat awkwardly from Brad Tyler, but it was off-target. Draycott’s Roynon was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch as he seemed to catch O’Brien on the ankle in time added on.

The visitors held on to their slender lead, denying their hosts a last day point. Tunley is a really pleasant place to watch a game, with friendly locals and very agreeable surroundings.

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The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE