Bishop’s Cleeve started 2026 on a high note, securing a commanding 4-1 victory at home against Sporting Club Inkberrow, propelling themselves into the Southern League Division One South play-off spots.
The scoring opened early when Jake Lee dazzled with a stunning overhead kick in the eighth minute. His effort soared past goalkeeper Gabriel Bajrami into the top left corner, following a poorly cleared corner from Toby Holland.
Inkberrow earned a reprieve shortly after when Reegan Messenger was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Toby Holland stepped up to redeem himself after missing a spot kick in the previous game, but Bajrami made a comfortable save, keeping the scores level.
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Buoyed by the reprieve, Inkberrow soon equalised in the 22nd minute. Rubio sprinted down the right flank, outpacing Lewis Clayton before cutting the ball into the box for Jack Tolley to calmly slot into the bottom corner.
Bishop’s Cleeve quickly regained the lead through winger Jay Malshanskyj. Assisted by Holland’s deft lob over two defenders, Malshanskyj finished emphatically into the net.
Before halftime, Josh Nelmes extended the lead to 3-1. Holland supplied a sharp cross that Nelmes met with a precise finish, giving the home side a comfortable cushion.
In the second half, Bishop’s Cleeve pushed to extend their advantage, with McInerney and Langworthy creating promising chances, although both efforts went astray. The team then focused on defense, absorbing pressure as Inkberrow pressed forward.
In the closing stages, Ben McLean sealed the win on the counterattack. Teaming up with Jack Watts, McLean rounded the goalkeeper and tapped home Cleeve’s fourth goal.
Manager Paul Collicutt, returning after illness that saw him miss the previous game, made four changes to the starting lineup, a move that paid dividends.
With this victory, Bishop’s Cleeve continue their unbeaten home streak and now prepare to face promotion rivals Frome Town on Tuesday at 7:45 pm.
Bishop’s Cleeve starting XI: 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 starting XI: 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