Manor Farm pull off a perfect away performance as they beat Bishop’s Cleeve at Kayte Lane, writes Jack Davies.
The free-scoring hosts had scored 17 in their last 4 games and began on the front foot. Toby Holland’s driving run inside five minutes eventually led to him pulling back for Ethan Dunbar, who could only lash over from close range. Both goalkepers were called upon early too. Seth Locke’s fingertip save denied Ben McLean before Cleeve keeper Lewis Clayton was alert to save from Jayden Nielsen. Farm would take the lead very late in the half as they were rewarded for weathering the home pressure. Nielsen’s corner was arrowed to Harry Lucas, who thundered his header into the back of the net.
Cleeve came out with the intensity expected of a side who score so many goals. Jay Malanskyj was denied brilliantly by Locke before Farm skipper Jay Adams slid in at the very final second to deny Dunbar a simple rebound. Farm still carried plenty of threat on the counter. The always lively Owen Brain got away following a quick break but his shot skidded wide. The Mitres best chance to level came with 5 minutes left as Will Emery’s effort finally beat Locke but axillary defender for the night, Theo Llewelyn, blocked the ball on the line. Any potential Farm fear of an onslaught turned to jubilation in the 89th minute, as they put the game to bed. Substitute Jamie Bird did the hard running on the counter and his low ball was perfect for that man Brain to finish and give Farm all three points.