Bristol Premier Combination – Premier Division

Longwell Green Res 4

Olveston Utd 3

OLVESTON have made a habit of firing out the blocks quickly in recent matches, however on this occasion that was far from the reality.

An out of character lethargic start went largely unpunished, as somewhat against the run of play Marcel Smith ventured down the right and fired in a low cross only for the Longwell Green defender to score a stunning own goal on 18 minutes. The O’s, invigorated by the opener, showed more of what they’re about in the following 20 minutes, resulting in a Loney cross-come-shot across the face of the 6-yard box being turned in at the far post by James Moore.

It’s a cliché, but the next goal in this tie looked crucial. The home side to their credit were much brighter in the second period, creating more opportunities and getting a goal back on the 60-minute mark; breaking down the left wing before hitting the top corner from the edge of the box. The O’s only had themselves to blame after attempting several missed tackles in the build-up. Longwell had the momentum and levelled the scores only two minutes later, after another good strike from the edge of the box.

The game was on a knife edge, both sides pressing for a winner when on the 75th minute the home side’s goalkeeper spilt a Mark Williams shot from distance right into the path of Matty Knight, who touched home to make it 3-2 with 15-minutes to play. The lead was short lived however, with Longwell breaking down the left wing and forcing the ball into the O’s box and, after a bit of a scramble, the ball bobbled into the bottom right hand corner. Again, the O’s will feel they should have done better in preventing the attack, 3-3 with 10 minutes to play.

It was the home side with the momentum and who would go on to collect all 3 points. After a poor Olveston throw-in in an attacking area, Longwell hit on the counter-attack and hit the back of the net from the edge of the box once again on the 86th-minute.

Olveston will see this as three points dropped after being two goals to the good at half-time. An uncharacteristic lack of effort and concentration in the last third of the game cost them, and is something they must learn from and take into their remaining fixtures.

Star Man: Phil Williams.

Olveston: C Beavis, R Driver, B Garraway, M Williams, C Barnes, J Loney, M Smith, P Williams, J Thomas, M Knight, J Moore Subs: S Russell, J Barton, J Mead.

Olveston are back in action this Saturday at home Sea Mills Park (2:30pm KO).