Paul Collicutt’s Bishop’s Cleeve team returned to winning ways with an impressive 6-1 triumph over Brixham on Saturday, though the manager believes there’s room for improvement.
The first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1. Toby Holland gave the Mitres an early lead from the penalty spot after Tyler Michael Joint fouled Jack Watts in the box. However, Charlie Johansen equalised for Brixham with a skilful run that ended in a fortunate deflection past goalkeeper Lewis Clayton.
Collicutt was visibly displeased with his team’s first-half performance. “I wasn’t very happy at half-time. We had a few words to say among ourselves,” he admitted.
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The second half, however, showcased Bishop’s Cleeve at their best. Ben McLean immediately put the hosts back in front with a powerful volley into the bottom right corner. The Mitres continued to press, testing Brixham’s keeper Dan Gillard multiple times.
Brixham struggled to respond as Cleeve’s dominance grew. The visitors’ captain Ryan Beattie inadvertently put through an own goal from a Luke Payne cross, increasing the lead to 3-1. Ross Langworthy extended the advantage with a composed finish after being set up by Harry Leeson.
Curtis Jemmett-Hutson and Josh Nelmes sealed the win with excellent strikes, the latter heading home unmarked from a Jemmett-Hutson corner to complete a commanding 6-1 scoreline.
“All in all it’s a good win and three points,” said Collicutt, already focused on the upcoming fixture against Didcot Town on Tuesday night.
This victory lifts Bishop’s Cleeve to sixth place in the league table. With three games in hand on fifth-placed Malvern Town and just seven points adrift of leaders Portishead Town, the Mitres are well-positioned to push higher in the standings.
Bishop’s Cleeve team lineup: Clayton, Payne, Turner (Jemmett-Hutson 56), Lee, Nelmes, Holland (Keeping 78), McLean, Watts, Langworthy, Jeremiah, McInerney (Leeson 69). Subs not used: Gilder, Malshanskyj.
Brixham starting eleven: Gillard, Stevens, Michael Joint, Beattie, Howarth, Rose, Roberts, Johansen (James Baker 87), Shearer, Wellington (Shaw 69), Hancox (Maslen 69). Subs not used: Harford, Terance Parkin.
Referee: Ashley Clarke. Attendance: 112.