Bishop’s Cleeve manager Paul Collicutt hailed the significance of the three points as the Mitres secured a 2-0 victory over Westbury United at Kayte Lane on Saturday afternoon. This win ended Bishop’s Cleeve’s two-game losing streak following defeats to Frome Town and Shaftesbury.
The game featured a tense moment on the hour mark when Westbury earned a penalty after Bradley Selwood’s precise pass set Akeem Stewart through, only for Jake Lee to bring him down from behind. Bevan Cross stepped up to take the spot-kick but missed high over the bar, keeping the scores level.
The breakthrough came courtesy of Harry Williams, who netted his first goal for the club. Toby Holland delivered a precise ball from the left flank, allowing Williams to fire a shot into the bottom left corner, giving the Mitres the lead.
READ MORE: Gloucester Rugby Exit Champions Cup After Toulon Defeat
READ MORE: Mum and Gran ‘Loved Beyond Words’ Among 20 Remembered in Gloucestershire Death Notices
Recent arrivals Zack Kotwica and Harry Williams, both signed from Hungerford Town, were brought in with clear expectations. Collicutt expressed confidence in the pair to contribute goals, saying, “Score goals, both of them. They’ve both got goals in them. I’m glad for Harry today; it gets him on the front foot.”
Reegan Messenger further secured the win with a stunning strike after Holland’s lay-off, his shot from outside the box rocketing into the bottom corner to maintain pressure on Shaftesbury.
The match was not without controversy. Manager Paul Collicutt was sent off following a heated dispute on the pitch, forcing him to watch the final 10 minutes from the sidelines. He described the refereeing as “iffy for both sides,” though it remains unclear when he will be permitted to return to the touchline.
The first half featured opportunities for both teams, with Bishop’s Cleeve generally dominating possession. Notably, Holland displayed vision with a long ball to captain Ross Langworthy, who unfortunately was unable to convert a one-on-one chance. Williams also threatened towards halftime but narrowly missed.
Holland continued to impress in the second half, his 20-yard effort striking the woodwork.
Looking ahead, Bishop’s Cleeve will travel to face Brixham AFC on Tuesday evening before hosting Malvern Town at Kayte Lane next Saturday.
Starting Lineups:
Bishop’s Cleeve: Lewis Clayton; Jake Lee (Turner 83), Nelmes, Liddiard, Toby Holland (Keeping 83); McLean (Messenger 54), Harry Williams (Jeremiah 83), Langworthy (McInerney 54), Malshanskyj, Davies, Zack Kotwica.
Westbury United: Joel Manning; Hulbert, Restorick, Selwood, Stewart; A. Witchell (Jenkins 69), Starr (Witcombe 45), E. Witchell (Taylor 85), Bevan Cross, Fleming, Jordan.
Referee: Zak Demetriades