Curtis Jemmett-Hutson came off the bench to score a decisive winner as Bishop’s Cleeve overcame Willand Rovers 2-1 in Southern League Division One South at Kayte Lane.
Willand took an early lead in the 11th minute when Bailey Kempster was set through on goal and calmly finished into the bottom corner. However, the Mitres quickly responded with Jake Lee capitalizing on a defensive error just two minutes later to level the score.
The remainder of the first half saw few scoring opportunities as the teams remained evenly matched. Early in the second half, debutant Reegan Messenger nearly gave Cleeve the lead but his attempt was blocked by a Willand defender.
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The winning goal arrived shortly after the hour mark when Jemmett-Hutson’s header curled into the top left corner, securing all three points for Cleeve.
Bishop’s Cleeve hold sixth place in the table, with up to two games in hand over their rivals above. Their next fixture is against Hartpury, who sit ninth after maintaining a five-game unbeaten streak with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Melksham Town.
At Melksham, Nathan Jenkins scored two stunning long-range goals to help Hartpury rally from a 2-0 deficit. Despite being reduced to ten men late in the game following a red card for Billy Osborn, Hartpury managed to hold on for the draw.
In Southern League Premier South, William Upton’s strike earned Basingstoke Town a narrow 1-0 win over Evesham United.
In the Hellenic League Premier Division, Slimbridge maintained pressure at league summit with a convincing 4-1 victory over Cinderford Town. Jack W Smith, Joey Shutt, Aaron Evans-Harriott, and Bogdan Mara all found the net, closing the gap on leaders Roman Glass St George to two points.
Cirencester climbed into the play-off spots thanks to a Harlie Price hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Mangotsfield United. Tuffley Rovers also enjoyed a 3-0 triumph over Lydney Town, while Thornbury Town exited the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory at Fairford Town.
Longlevens' match against Pershore Town was abandoned at 0-0 due to a power outage.
Newent Town strengthened their play-off chase in Hellenic Division One with a 4-1 victory at Shortwood United, featuring a brace from George Brand.
Cheltenham Saracens drew 1-1 with Clanfield 85, and Stonehouse Town walked away with a 4-0 win over Woodford United, thanks to goals from Josh Beadle, Spencer Martin, Harley Hudd, and Finn Rees.
In the County League, Tewkesbury Town seized top spot with a commanding 5-0 win over Bishop’s Cleeve Development. Quedgeley Wanderers fell 3-1 to Wick, while Broadwell Amateurs edged Totterdown United 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Chalford recorded a 4-1 victory over Hanham Athletic, with Calum Chalmers and Harry Brock scoring for Thornbury Town in their 2-0 win against Fairford Town.
Tytherington Rocks dominated Ruardean Hill Rangers 5-0, and Dursley Town returned to the top of Northern Senior League Division One with a 3-0 win against Gala Wilton.
English Bicknor’s Toby Wildig netted six times in an 8-1 rout of Bredon. Brockworth Albion defeated Falcons 4-1, while Cheltenham Civil Service and Charfield played out a goalless draw.
In Division Two, Harrow Hill drew 2-2 at King’s Stanley, and Wickwar Wanderers secured a 2-1 win over Barnwood United. Frampton United Reserves won 5-0 at Mitcheldean, boosted by Stuart Maule’s hat-trick. Mushet & Coalway triumphed 4-0 against Winchcombe Town.
Hartpury leads Division One of the County Women’s League after thrashing Dursley Town 8-2. Amelia Rankin scored a hat-trick complemented by goals from Hollie Handisides, Lauren Read, Olivia Matthews, and Emily Horring. Bristol Brunel remain close behind with games in hand.
Cheltenham Saracens fell 5-2 to AEK Boco Reserves despite Sophie Sharpe’s brace.
In Division Two, Newent Town sit third following Nicole Lewis’s double in a 2-1 victory over City of Gloucester.
Bishop’s Cleeve Development top Division Three after a 4-1 win at Andoversford, with Kirsty Richardson scoring twice. Kingswood hold second place after beating Bradley Stoke 2-1, while Cheltenham Spa won 4-1 against Tuffley Rovers.
Berkeley Town lost 2-0 at Southmead Reserves in Division Four.