Shepton Mallet bounced back in style after last weekend's washout at St Austell, putting four past St Blazey in a commanding performance at the Playing Fields.

Despite a nervy opening 30 minutes, Shepton's quality eventually shone through, with goals either side of the break setting the tone before a late fourth capped off a cracking afternoon for the Black and Whites.

The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Ethan Witchell whipped in a peach of a cross, finding Callum Gould lurking unmarked at the far post. Gould calmly slotted home, leaving St Blazey keeper Ben Whiting rooted.

St Blazey weren't going down without a fight, though. Shepton's defence, marshalled superbly by Harry Rutty, had to dig in, with Gould himself clearing off the line at one point. Keeper Owen Crawford also came up big, denying the visitors with a sharp double save.

Just before half-time, Shepton landed a sucker punch. Charlie Bateson capitalised on a defensive howler to double the lead, drilling his effort past a helpless Whiting.

In the second half, Shepton turned the screw. Six minutes in, a pinpoint corner from Gould found Will Banks, who rose like a salmon to bury a thumping header. Substitute Ieuan Crowe kept the pressure on, going close on multiple occasions before finally grabbing a deserved goal late on. A superb interception from Rutty sent Crowe flying down the pitch, outpacing his marker and smashing home Shepton's fourth.

It could have been five when Aaron Seviour's effort rattled the side netting, but by then, the damage was done.

Sponsors Jools and Anne handed the Man of the Match award to Paul Braithwaite, but in truth, it was a stellar team effort. Even referee Carl Warren was singled out for praise after a well-controlled game.

The 142 fans in attendance left happy, with Shepton now turning their attention to Tuesday night's Les Phillips Cup clash at home against Oldland Abbotonians (KO 7.30pm).

Looking further ahead, Shepton reserves are in action on Saturday, 7th December, hosting High Littleton (KO 2.00pm). And don't forget the "Special Golf Raffle," with tickets available for £5 in the clubhouse.

The Mallet's back on the march—c'mon the Black and Whites!