Bishop’s Cleeve manager Paul Collicutt expressed his regret to the loyal supporters who traveled to Portishead Town on Saturday, following a disappointing 5-0 defeat that ended their impressive 12-match unbeaten run. “There are no excuses for the performance,” Collicutt admitted, acknowledging that his players had let themselves down on the day.
The top-of-the-table hosts opened the scoring just before halftime, with Jay Murray heading in from close range. After the break, Portishead Town took control, netting four more goals, including a double from striker Ethan Feltham. Mitch Osmond’s stunning free-kick and a composed finish by Lucas Vowles completed the dominant win for the Somerset side.
This loss drops Bishop’s Cleeve to fifth place in the league, marking their first defeat of the season, while Portishead Town extends their lead at the summit, moving three points clear of second-placed Winchester City.
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The match began with Portishead showing early intent, with Kyle Egan’s free-kick narrowly missing the target after connecting with Ollie Woodhouse. Bishop’s Cleeve steadily gained momentum, with Ross Langworthy and Jack Watts orchestrating promising attacks, though Portishead’s goalkeeper remained vigilant.
Despite increased pressure from the Mitres, it was Portishead who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Murray’s header found the back of the net. Both Murray and Bishop’s Cleeve keeper Lewis Clayton were booked following the goal.
The second half saw chances for both teams initially, but Portishead quickly seized control. Egan’s corner set up Feltham to double the lead in the 62nd minute, and Feltham scored again 12 minutes later, cementing his brace. Osmond then unleashed a magnificent long-range free-kick to make it 4-0, and Vowles’ neat finish secured the 5-0 victory.
Collicutt hinted at possible squad rotations for the upcoming match against Falmouth Town as his team looks to bounce back from this heavy defeat.
Team line-ups:
Bishop’s Cleeve: Clayton; Jeremiah (82’ Keeping), Lee, Liddiard, Turner, McLean, Holland (72’ Payne), Davies (82’ Nelmes), Watts, Langworthy, Jemmett-Hutson (46’ Leeson). Not used: Malshanskyj.
Portishead Town: Thacker; Adams, Hurst, Woodhouse, Robbins, Llewellyn (81’ Eastwood), Osmond, Egan, Murray, Feltham (79’ Neale), Thorne (71’ Thorne). Not used: Croft, Keet.
Referee: Matthew Uren
Attendance: 517