Ray's late header sinks Trojans
Somerset 0 Wolves 1
Somerset Trojans' rebuilding programme suffered a setback yesterday when a headed goal by midfielder Mark (Beaver) Ray two minutes from the end sent the west enders to the bottom of the Premier Division.
With time running out in a closely-contested game, a draw seemed inevitable.
But Wolves left winger Jared Peniston dribbled down the flank, passed a defender and floated in a cross that Ray firmly headed home from seven yards to kill off the Trojans.
Wolves had fought back bravely in the second half after having allowed their opponents to gain an edge during the opening half.
When the home side did take the upper hand, they just weren't sharp enough with their finishing, the best chance coming when Dwight Basden headed over from close range while hard-working forward David Lawler often worried the Wolves defence with some fine moves.
Wolves were also unlucky in the opening half, narrowly missing a goal after 15 minutes when Chae Simmons watched in agony as his 20-yard scorcher hit the bar.
Basden had another header sail just over in the second half but for the most of the part the Trojans' attack was held in check by a defence marshalled well by centre back Anthony Thomas.
Inspired by Simmons and Nakia Smith ,Wolves were always in the hunt for goals and the pressure finally told on the home team's defence which was in a shambles when Peniston's cross found Ray unmarked in the penalty box.
The defeat now has the Trojans cemented on the bottom with one point from three fixtures, having drawn one and lost two.
And they will be hard pressed to win their next league encounter, which is an away clash against leaders Cougars this weekend.
Hempshire Royals 4
Robin Hood 1
The Royals scored twice in each half on their way to this comprehensive three-goal women's division victory at St. John's Field yesterday.
In a keenly contested game, Royals took a 1-0 lead through Shari Marugliano and then added their second three minutes before the half through Sandra Medeiros.
Robin Hood fought back gamely when play restarted and reduced the score to 2-1 through Denika Jones after 52 minutes. But Karen Medeiros made it 3-1 for Royals after 88 minutes and Sandra Medeiros netted the fourth on the stroke of full-time.