Bishop’s Cleeve faced an immediate challenge on the opening day of their season as debutant Jamal Lawrence was sent off within 30 seconds of kick-off during their away game at Shaftesbury. The former Cheltenham Town player was dismissed for allegedly using an elbow shortly after the match began.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Paul Collicutt’s side demonstrated remarkable resilience. Shaftesbury took advantage of the numerical edge to score the opening goal in the 25th minute through Dawid Regula.
Bishop’s Cleeve responded in the second half, with returning left-back Matt Bower equalising in the 67th minute, heading in a cross delivered by debutant Jack Carter. Another debutant, Charlie Holliday, played a key role by setting up the chance with his work down the flank.
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The decisive moment arrived with just three minutes remaining, when substitute Steve Davies unleashed a powerful shot from distance that struck the post and went in, clinching a 2-1 victory for Cleeve.
Reflecting on the match, manager Paul Collicutt said, “I am highly proud because the lads have put in one hell of a shift today. In all the years I’ve been in football, to get a player sent off inside 25 seconds in the first game of the season is something else. The lads have battled and battled. We went into half-time 1-0 down, but second half Jack Carter did so well with his cross for big Bower to equalise, and then the old man comes up with the winner.”
Collicutt added, “I think I’ve found his position, coming off the bench and suddenly he’s lively! He had a shot from 20 or 25 yards, it hit the post and went in; brilliant. Everyone is well happy – myself, the lads, and our chairman Clive Rawlings. It’s a terrific start to the season.”
Looking ahead, Bishop’s Cleeve, who have reached the play-offs in the past two seasons, will host Swindon Supermarine on Friday evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Lawrence will be available for that match before serving a three-game suspension that applies only to league fixtures; he remains eligible to play in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
The Bishop’s Cleeve lineup for the match was: Clayton; Carter; Turner (substituted by Davies 30'); Lee; Bower; Liddiard (captain); Sambu (substituted by Langworthy 79'); McLean; Lawrence; Holliday (substituted by McInerney 75'); Evans-Harriott. Subs not used: Nelmes, Messenger.
The attendance for the match was 202.