Bishop’s Cleeve kicked off 2026 in impressive style, securing a commanding 4-1 victory against Sporting Club Inkberrow at home. This win elevates them into the Southern League Division One South play-off spots.
The scoring opened early, with Jake Lee dazzling the crowd in the eighth minute by netting a stunning overhead kick. His effort soared into the top left corner after Inkberrow failed to clear Toby Holland’s corner, leaving goalkeeper Gabriel Bajrami helpless.
Sporting Inkberrow quickly earned a penalty opportunity when Reegan Messenger was fouled near the edge of the box. Toby Holland took responsibility to redeem a penalty miss from the previous game but saw his spot-kick easily saved by Bajrami.
READ MORE: A38 Reopens Following Three-Vehicle Collision
READ MORE: Gloucester Rugby’s Endeavour Shines Despite Narrow Defeat to Newcastle
The save revitalized Inkberrow’s spirits, and they capitalized eight minutes later. Rubio outpaced Lewis Clayton on the right flank before delivering a precise pass to Jack Tolley, who calmly slotted the equalizer into the bottom left corner.
Bishop’s Cleeve responded swiftly, reclaiming their lead through Jay Malshanskyj. Holland displayed his creativity once again, lofting the ball over two defenders to set up Malshanskyj, who fired a powerful finish into the net.
Before halftime, Josh Nelmes further extended Cleeve’s advantage. Holland’s whipped cross found Nelmes, whose precise finish made it 3-1.
In the second half, Bishop’s Cleeve maintained the pressure with early chances from McInerney and Langworthy, though neither could add to the tally. As Inkberrow pushed forward seeking a way back, Cleeve adopted a shrewd defensive stance.
Their patience paid dividends late in the match when Ben McLean sealed the victory on a swift counter-attack. He combined cleverly with Jack Watts before rounding the goalkeeper and tapping home Bishop’s Cleeve’s fourth goal.
Manager Paul Collicutt, back on the touchline after recovering from illness, made four changes to his starting lineup, which proved decisive.
With momentum on their side, Bishop’s Cleeve now prepare to face promotion rivals Frome Town on Tuesday night in a crucial home fixture.
Bishop’s Cleeve lineup: Clayton, Lee, Nelmes, Liddiard, Holland, McLean (Jeremiah 89), Langworthy (Watts 74), Malshanskyj (Keeping 79), Messenger, Davis (Turner 86), McInerney (Jemmett-Hutson 71).
Sporting Club Inkberrow lineup: Bajrami, Griffiths (Crook 77), Moore (Warren-Paul 61), Waterfield, Freeman, Bastable (C), Rubio, Benson (Spencer 89), Tolley, Higgins-Pugsley (Preece 77), Emblem (Brown 54).
Referee: Jake Woolley
Attendance: 266