Bishop’s Cleeve’s impressive 12-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt and painful end on Saturday as they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Portishead Town. Manager Paul Collicutt expressed his regret to the traveling fans, acknowledging that the team’s performance was unacceptable and that there were “no excuses” for such a display.
The Somerset side took control late in the first half when Jay Murray headed in the opening goal just four minutes before halftime. Following the break, Portishead Town seized momentum and blitzed Cleeve with four additional goals. Ethan Feltham shone by netting a brace, while Mitch Osmond produced a spectacular long-range free-kick, and Lucas Vowles added a neat finish to crown the dominant victory.
Portishead’s triumph pushes them three points clear at the top of the table, while Bishop’s Cleeve drops to fifth, having now tasted their first league defeat of the season. Manager Collicutt hinted at potential squad rotation as they prepare for next weekend’s match against Falmouth Town.
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The match started competitively, with early opportunities favoring Portishead, including a free-kick from Kyle Egan that narrowly missed after connecting with Ollie Woodhouse. Bishop’s Cleeve found some rhythm through Ross Langworthy and Jack Watts, creating a few threatening moments, but the home goalkeeper remained composed.
Despite Cleeve’s efforts to press before halftime, it was Portishead who struck first with Murray’s powerful header. The goal’s aftermath saw bookings for both Murray and Cleeve’s goalkeeper Lewis Clayton. The second half opened with chances at both ends, but Portishead soon dominated, doubling their lead via Feltham off an Egan corner. Feltham’s second goal further extended the lead, followed by Osmond’s stunning free-kick and Vowles’ close-range finish, sealing a memorable victory.
Bishop’s Cleeve lineup: Clayton; Jeremiah (82 mins, Keeping), Lee, Liddiard, Turner, McLean, Holland (72, Payne), Davies (82, Nelmes), Watts, Langworthy, Jemmett-Hutson (46, Leeson). Sub unused: Malshanskyj.
Portishead Town lineup: Thacker; Adams, Hurst, Woodhouse, Robbins, Llewellyn (81, Eastwood), Osmond, Egan, Murray, Feltham (79, Neale), Thorne (71, Thorne). Subs unused: Croft, Keet.
Referee: Matthew Uren
Attendance: 517