PREMIER DIVISION
Woolaston 3
English Bicknor 2
ENGLISH Bicknor captain and stand-in goalkeeper Kerry Lewis experienced the highs and lows of local football in his team's narrow defeat at home to Woolaston.
By half-time his team were trailing by three goals. But in a second-half comeback he trotted from his own goalmouth to successfully slam home a penalty and give his team half a chance of snatching a draw against the Premier Division newcomers.
Normally a centre-half, Lewis had played in goal against league leaders Newnham the previous week – a match which English Bicknor won.
"Because of injuries and players being unavailable he had to play there again. It has not been the best season for us and we have not had a settled team but hopefully things will improve in the new year," said club official Dave Hemsley.
Bicknor at least made Woolaston fight hard for the points and Lewis's penalty and a goal by Shaun Bamford were well deserved for a much improved second-half performance.
By contrast Woolaston are towards the top of the division – their first time in the Premier - and with a young side they are planning an assault on the title next season.
"We want to consolidate this season. We are a young side and all our players are from Woolaston or Alvington so we are optimistic the side will stay together," said club spokesman Roger Guest.
The team is coached by the experienced Bob Crook and they have already shocked a few of the experienced Premier Division sides.
They had expected a difficult game at English Bicknor who always provide a stiff challenge on their own ground, and were surprised to be three goals up at the break. Goals came from Rob Wakefield, Steve Guest and Paul Crook.
"We relaxed a bit and Bicknor came back strongly. In the end it was quite a close game," said Guest.