[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A rampant second half by Bristol Manor Farm against Ashton and Backwell saw them score five goals in their latest pre-season fixture, writes Jack Davies.
The Farm started strongly against their lower league hosts. A quickly worked throw-in saw Jake Gosling find Ben Bament who smashed the bar in the opening exchanges, repeating the feat from the previous friendly where he saw an early effort hit the woodwork.
More good work down the Farm right led to the game’s first clear chance. Gosling and Winter combined before the latter crossed for Bryant who lifted over.
Farm somehow didn’t take the lead after 20 minutes. Lloyd Mills planted a header, once he was found by Gosling, before an unbelievable tip onto the bar by the home keeper was followed up by another terrific save after Bament lashed the rebound goalward.
When it wasn’t the keeper, it was the woodwork! Evander Grubb bent a wicked effort from range which hit the crossbar before Nielsen hit the post barely seconds later.
Farm would go into half-time goalless but not before one final piece of magic before the break. Jake Gosling slipped the ball through the sliding defender’s legs before he played in Bament, where the forward was denied by another fine save by the Stags’ keeper.
Farm wasn’t to be denied in the second-half and the first goal came just minutes in. Grubb was well picked out on the right and his superb cross was tucked in by Bament, finally getting the goal his endeavors deserved.
The home keeper may have conceded one but his fine performance continued. Grubb’s half volley was palmed away before Nielsen took control of a short corner and whipped another effort that was well saved.
Farm would make it two just after the hour through a fine solo goal. Grubb picked a defender’s pocket before his pace got him away and he cooly slid his finish between the keeper’s legs.
Defender Sam Boulton was relishing his maiden 90 minutes this year and almost got Farm’s third. A typically perfect Gosling delivery found his head but the ball glanced wide.
Kye Simpson had worked exceptionally hard since his introduction just after the break and after putting one chance over he finally got off the mark late on. Nielsen’s dancing feet left several defenders sprawling on the floor and despite the scene looking somewhat like a war film, he had the presence of mind to lay unselfishly for Simpson who had the simple job of making it three.
The floodgates were well and truly open now and it was soon four. This time Simpson turned provider as he muscled his way to the by-line and set the back for Gosling who fired back across the keeper from the edge of the area.
Boulton headed another devilish Gosling delivery over before Farm enjoyed the luxury of a fifth in the final minute. A moment of madness from the hosts left full-back as his pass was too heavy for his keeper and the optimism of Simpson to gamble paid off as he tapped home his second.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]