Bishop’s Cleeve saw their impressive unbeaten home streak come to an end on Tuesday night after George Dowling’s stunning second-half strike secured a 2-1 win for Frome Town.
The hosts started brightly, with Reegan Messenger opening the scoring in the eighth minute, marking his first goal for Bishop’s Cleeve. However, Frome responded swiftly as captain Sam Teale volleyed home from a corner just eight minutes later, leveling the score going into halftime.
Frome took control after the break. Although Dowling was initially denied from the spot when Lewis Clayton saved his penalty, the visitors didn’t waver. Early in the second half, Dowling found space 25 yards out and unleashed a brilliant half-volley that arched over the goalkeeper and into the top left corner, putting Frome ahead.
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Bishop’s Cleeve pushed hard for an equalizer late on, with Messenger appearing to have scored a crucial goal. Yet, the assistant referee’s offside flag ruled it out, much to the frustration of the home crowd. Frome held firm to secure the win, sending their fans into jubilant celebration.
With this victory, Frome Town leapfrogs to the top of the table, three points clear of Portishead. Bishop’s Cleeve remain fifth but stay within the playoff places, with Shaftesbury close behind having a game in hand. The Mitres will look to bounce back as they travel to face Shaftesbury this Saturday at 3pm.
Bishop’s Cleeve lineup: Clayton, Lee, Nelmes, Holland, McLean, Langworthy, Malshanskyj, Messenger, Davies (Watts 71), McInerney (Keeping 81). Subs not used: Gilder, Turner, Jeremiah.
Frome Town lineup: Phillips, Lucas, Teale, Gould, Dowling, Ferris, Drew (Feltham 85), Hopkins, Holmes, Maidment, Dodiment (Meakes 64). Subs not used: Brabham, Heal, Lynden.
Referee: Richard Walker
Attendance: 173