Shepton Mallet saw off Nailsea and Tickenham in a dramatic 3-2 away win to keep their slim play-off hopes alive — and all five goals came in a breathless first half.

Despite going down to 10 men after just 26 minutes, Nailsea threw everything at the visitors in the final half-hour, but Shepton's defence held firm to take home a valuable three points — especially as all four teams around them in the table also lost.

Shepton couldn't have asked for a better start. Less than 60 seconds in, Corey Stock's clearance dropped nicely for Paul Braithwaite, who drilled a low 20-yard shot past Nailsea keeper Jacob Glover.

Charlie Walton and Ashton Shanley both went close before Nailsea found their feet, and they equalised after 12 minutes when Shepton's stand-in keeper Will Hunter could only parry a shot from Owen Humphries. Luke Osgood was quickest to react, slamming the rebound into the net.

Four minutes later, the hosts were in front. Osgood earned a corner, and Charlie Saunders rose highest to nod in Ryan Crawford's cross. Nailsea nearly made it 3-1 when Seb Scott's angled effort fizzed just wide.

But Shepton weren't done. Charlie Bateson charged down the right, and his persistence paid off when his blocked shot rebounded kindly, allowing him to guide it past Glover to make it 2-2.

Then came the turning point. On 28 minutes, Scott was sent off for violent conduct — and Shepton wasted no time taking advantage. Shanley blasted in from range on 34 minutes to make it 3-2, before limping off injured. His replacement, Jake Sloggett, nearly scored with his first touch, while Bateson also went close.

After the break, Sloggett and Nailsea's Crawford both tested the keepers. But from then on, despite being a man down, Nailsea camped in Shepton's half. They pressed hard but couldn't find a way through a resilient back line led by Monty Burgess and Kieran Bailey.

Their best chance came deep into stoppage time, when Romiau Nevers' shot glanced off Bailey's head and sailed narrowly over.

Lewis Coleman was named man of the match on his full debut for a commanding midfield performance, edging out Stock and the reliable Hunter.

Final score: Nailsea and Tickenham 2 – 3 Shepton Mallet.

Attendance: 106.

Meanwhile, Shepton's Reserves made light work of their Bryan Wells Cup semi-final, hammering Pensford FC 7-0. Jack Withers was named man of the match.

Both teams are back in action on Good Friday. The first team host Welton Rovers at 1pm — their last home fixture before a trip to Brislington on Monday 21 April. Kick-off is also at 1pm.

The Reserves will be chasing silverware in the final of the Paulton Hospital Cup, taking on Coleford Athletic at Paulton Rovers' ground at 11am.

Fans are urged to get behind both teams as they close out what's shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season.