Shepton Mallet overcame challenging weather conditions and a determined Brislington side to secure a 2-0 victory in a fiercely contested New Year's Day clash. Goals from Matt Morris and manager Aaron Seviour sealed the win, but the game was tighter than the scoreline suggests.

Full credit went to the ground staff who made the pitch playable despite the torrential rain, and to both sets of players and match officials for ensuring the fixture could go ahead.

The match began with Brislington pressing hard. Shepton's Harry Rutty made a crucial early block, but the home side had the first golden opportunity just four minutes in when Ethan Witchell sliced a cross from Charlie Bateson, falling to Josiah McKayle, who fired wide from close range.

Brislington continued to see more of the ball in the opening stages, with Joel Sisson and Monty Burgess making vital interventions at the back for Shepton. The visitors' first real chance came when Shea Mannings shot over the bar.

Midway through the half, Shepton began to find their rhythm. Assistant manager Matt Morris forced Brislington keeper Schofield into a smart save from a free kick before firing into the side netting moments later.

Owen Crawford kept Shepton level with a spectacular save in the 27th minute, diving to deny a fierce 15-yard drive from Brislington's Joe McLennan.

The breakthrough came five minutes before half-time. Morris cut inside from the left and unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that thundered off the underside of the bar and into the net, leaving Schofield rooted to the spot.

Brislington came close to equalising before the break, with McLennan again shooting narrowly over. Substitute Dean Griffiths then headed wide early in the second half as the visitors pushed for a way back into the game.

advertisement

Shepton defended resolutely despite conceding territory for much of the second half. Crawford remained alert, racing off his line to block another McLennan effort as conditions worsened.

In the final ten minutes, Brislington's Alfie Clark and Jay Malpas both missed the target with speculative efforts as Shepton held firm.

With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Shepton sealed the win in style. Substitute James Sharkey played a clever ball to Witchell, whose pinpoint cross was met by manager Aaron Seviour with a powerful header from six yards, giving Schofield no chance.

Sponsors Sally Robertson and South West Schoolwear named Nathan Legge as Shepton's Man of the Match for his solid defensive display, narrowly edging out Monty Burgess and Ethan Witchell.

Shepton currently sit fifth in the table and will next face Bridgwater United at home on Saturday, 4th January, before two away fixtures against Oldland Abbotonians and Buckland Athletic later in the month.