[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A 95th-minute Lee Wort strike condemned Manor Farm to an agonising defeat away to table toppers Sholing on Saturday, writes William Ledbury.
No matter how long the coach journeyed south, the Farm’s spirits did not dim as they faced high-flying Sholing after their three hugely improved performances against Wimborne, Frome, and Bideford in recent weeks.
Jayden Nielsen was re-introduced into the Farm’s starting lineup on a warm and sunny afternoon at the Imperial Homes Stadium, hoping he could play a part in Farm’s quest for three points on their travels.
The afternoon didn’t start in Farm’s favor, as Lee Wort calmly slotted the ball past Ben John after beating the offside trap.
Despite the Boatmen’s goal, Farm had their hosts pinned back for the remainder of the first-half and were duly rewarded two goals by the illistrious Marcus Day.
Day exposed Sholing’s slopiness and inability to clear their lines and expertly struck the ball into the bottom left corner after a mazy run.
The Farm and Day’s second highlighted just how good they can be on their day as the wideman struck the ball fiercesly past Ryan Gosney to go 2-1 up.
Sholing would be reduced to 10 men on 33 minutes when defender Rob Flooks was given his marching orders. With Howe standing over the dead ball, Flooks struck the Farm’s forward to the floor leaving referee Paul Barner no choice but to raise the red card.
Against the run of play and to Farm’s bemusement, Sholing FC equalised moments before the interval when Jake Cope crept a ball into the right corner of the net.
In spite of being down a man, the Boatmen emerged in a completely different manner from the first half and snatched all three points in dramatic fashion.
Two clearances off the line seemingly indicated that the Farm defence had done enough to keep Sholing out, but Lee Wort had the final say when he made it seven wins from seven this season. Immediately after Howe’s header was saved at point blank range, the Boatmen passed the ball to Wort, who chipped it beyond the Farm. With the victory, wild scenes broke out as the hosts racked up all three points.
Bristol Manor Farm host Step 3 Gosport Borough at The BS3 Services Stadium on Saturday 8 October in the FA Trophy. Ticket information can be found HERE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]