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Manor Farm picked up a vital away win at the hands of high flying Highworth Town, writes Jack Davies.
Manor Farm were on the front foot for all of the first-half and nearly took the lead inside 5 minutes, Kyle Tooze sent a sensational swinging effort from range towards goal and with the home keeper routed, the ball cannoned off the woodwork.
A few minutes later, a scramble from a low Mason Winter corner had Mills and Bryant swing blocked efforts before it was hacked away.
Bament had been restored to the starting eleven this week and the forward stole ahead of his man following a Howe flick on but his effort was tipped wide by Connor Johns.
Bament then turned provider, his whipped cross just evaded the onrushing Bryant at the back post.
Another flowing move had Tooze Howe and Bament all involved, the latter only able to curl high and wide.
Farm’s last chance of a lively first-half fell to Theo Llewelyn fired over with perhaps better options at the back post awaiting a cross.
Farm started in the same vein second-half and got a deserved lead just minutes in.
Bament with a perfect cross and Owen Howe guided his low header past Johns.
Farm probed further and almost got a second, Tooze drove forward but could only snatch over.
The hosts’ first chance to equalise was a very presentable one, Felipe Barcelos controlled inside the box but hammered miles over.
The forward then missed another big chance on the hour, cutting inside the area but again lashing high and wide.
Farm were a threat on the counter despite the hosts growing into the game. Tooze collecting a clever backheel from Bament but his shot deflected into the arms of Johns.
Farm would double their lead after the hour, Winter recycling from his own corner before his perfect volleyed cross landed on the head of Mike Bryant, who headed home from close range.
The home side couldn’t find their shooting boots at all, Oliver Case the next to blaze miles over.
Farm were doing everything to preserve a much needed clean sheet. Steve Kingdon with a wonderful last ditch tackle and Ben John scrambled the ball wide and safe.
Howe then had a few chances to get his second and add some gloss, first lashing over from a clever Tooze pass and then Johns rushed out to clear and Howe shot just wide from the half way line.
Highworth would make it a nervy end, Sean Wood wayward shot taking a massive deflection before nestling for 2-1. Farm would hold on for another massive away result, even having time for Howe to lash one over on the counter.
STAR MAN, Mike Bryant.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]