Double delight for George Kellow as his two goals ensure that Bristol Manor Farm return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, writes William Ledbury.
Still smarting from last weekend’s second-half defeat to Bemerton Heath Harlequins, it’s fair to say Manager Lee Lashenko and his backroom staff rang-in the changes on a very crisp late-autumnal day at The NL Services Stadium. At the back, the experienced Ben John started between the posts, and Harry Lucas moved into defence alongside Ollie Woodhouse, leaving Rhys Thomas and Theo Llewellyn to anchor the Farm’s midfield. There was also a noticeable change in the forward line also as new signing Daniel Dodimead took the coveted number nine shirt to spearhead the offence. Two minutes into the match, the warning signs for Westbury were there as Woodhouse headed narrowly wide in front of an energetic Farmy Army crowd. George Kellow has been imperious since joining from rivals Cribbs, and he too flashed an effort that slid just wide of the target. Despite a flurry of chances in and around the area, Farm did find the all-important breakthrough. That man Kellow had the final killer strike as this goal-bound effort beat past the White Horse Men defence and past Hill to put the home side 1-0 ahead. The away side rightly sought an equaliser, but returning keeper John did very well to push the effort away from danger. Lashenko and his side were leading by the single goal last weekend, which didn’t turn out to be enough, so knew that they had to capitalise on another fine first half performance. Skipper Jay Adams thought that his long distance strike would be that goal, however, the spotlight shone down on Kellow once again as latched onto Owen Brain’s cross to tap home. Match referee Carl Peters drew the first half’s action to a close, with Manor Farm on course to securing an important three points.
Eager to continue impressing the Farmy Army faithful in his first start, Dodimead was involved in a couple of chances early on as the Farmers smelt blood on their Wiltshire counterparts. It was pleasing to see the 27-year-old’s synchronicity with forward partner Brain as more chances fell at the home side’s feet. The latter was fouled on the edge on 74 minutes, and his direct free-kick bounced off the wall and just over Hill’s goal. Evander Grubb thought he sealed the win when he raced on to a 1-on-1 situation but his strike couldn’t find the back of the net. The White Horse Men couldn’t muster any clear cut opportunities, as Manor Farm ran out deserved winners to climb up to 11th in the division.