Shepton Mallet pulled off a heroic 1-0 victory over Barnstaple Town, despite being down to ten men for over 80 minutes. Cam Allen was sent packing in the 12th minute, but not before setting up what proved to be the game's only goal. Just three minutes in, Allen fired down the right flank, beat his man, and whipped in a perfect cross for Paul Braithwaite to power home with a header that left Barnstaple keeper James Weeks rooted.

Keeper Owen Crawford had his work cut out, making crucial punches and saves to keep Barnstaple at bay. With Allen off the field, Shepton quickly reshuffled, going 4-4-1, with Charlie Bateson leading the line solo. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Mallet men held firm, showing grit and determination.

Jake Sloggett nearly doubled the lead, skimming a shot just wide after weaving his way through the Barnstaple midfield. Meanwhile, Bateson epitomised the team spirit, sprinting 50 yards back to make a tackle that sent the crowd wild. Crawford continued to stand strong, especially in the second half, where he kept Barnstaple at bay with saves against Scott Piper and Gabriel Rogers.

As the clock ticked down, Shepton's defensive wall seemed impenetrable, with Joel Sisson clearing off the line and a last-gasp shot from Rogers hitting the crossbar. Man of the Match honours went jointly to Monty Burgess and Sisson, though Crawford, Banks, Braithwaite, and Bateson were not far behind in a memorable display.

With a packed attendance of 233, the largest gate in the Premier League on the day, Shepton gave the home fans a game to remember.

Elsewhere, Shepton Reserves bagged a solid 3-0 win over Westfield FC Reserves in the Paulton Hospital Cup, keeping their unbeaten streak alive.

Next up at The Playing Field, Shepton Mallet U18s face Frome Town on Tuesday 29th October, KO 7.30pm. The first team will travel to second-placed Clevedon Town on Saturday 2nd November.