Shepton Mallet gave joint-leaders Clevedon Town a scare on Saturday, ultimately falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat in front of 284 supporters at the Playing Fields.

The home side took a deserved lead on 15 minutes when Ashton Shanley's curling 25-yard free-kick beat Clevedon keeper George Shanks-Boon and nestled into the far corner.

Both sides had early chances, with Matt Morris going close for Shepton and Owen Humphries threatening at the other end, but it was the hosts who struck first. Clevedon rallied in the second quarter, with Luke Wilkinson marshalling a resolute Shepton defence alongside Joel Sisson, Jake Andrews and Tom Stock, all contributing key headed clearances.

Monty Burgess produced a crucial goal-line clearance and Wilkinson continued to impress, but the visitors levelled in first-half stoppage time. A cross into the crowded six-yard box was glanced home by Luke Osgood. Initially ruled out for an infringement flagged by the assistant, the goal was controversially awarded after vocal appeals from Clevedon players led the referee to overrule his colleague.

Andrews twice forced excellent saves from Shanks-Boon early in the second half, with two long-range efforts tipped over. At the other end, James Sharkey denied Seb Scott with a vital tackle just as the Clevedon man shaped to shoot.

Osgood struck again ten minutes from time, converting from close range after a low cross from the left to seal the points. Despite introducing all five substitutes, Shepton couldn't find a way back.

Wilkinson earned man of the match honours for his standout display, edging out strong performances from Shanley and the ever-consistent Sisson.

Shepton are away to Helston Athletic on Saturday 30th August. Coach seats are available at £25 per person via the club.

Elsewhere, Shepton Reserves drew 3-3 away at Radstock Town Reserves on Friday 22nd. The U18s played out a 1-1 draw in a midweek friendly against Wells City.

The next home match at the Playing Fields sees Shepton Reserves host Frome Collegians in Somerset County League Division 3 this Saturday.