Match Report

Winterbourne United 2 Letcombe 1

All the best action, from a home viewpoint, came in the second half of this excellent win that sees Bourne take a massive step toward honours this season. The three points also sees them leapfrog their visitors to take second place in One West. Despite the blustery conditions and sporadic driving rain threatening to spoil the afternoon both teams, to their credit, put on a game full of good football and endeavour which the spectators, who braved the elements, enjoyed.

Letcombe's passing game prevailed early on as they started the sharper of the two sides forcing Bourne back for lengthy spells. For most of the half the hosts relied on quick breaks out to danger men; Justin Bishop, Jimmy Potts and prior to his 20 th minute substitution for injury, Scott Cameron. Fit again Mitch Tippins replaced Cameron and he went on to have a very influential role to play. There was very little goalmouth action in the half so no real chances were created despite the attacking talent on display. The game was gripping though as both sides realised the importance of the match and tried to make the initial breakthrough. HT 0.0

The early exchanges of this half also went to the visitors as they now headed down the slope. What appeared to be a hammer blow to Bourne's chances occurred after 65 minutes when central defender, Ben Walker received a second yellow card. Surprisingly though Bourne actually took charge for the first time in the match and started to stretch the previously comfortable visiting defence. At this point new recruit Justin Bishop showed his character with a non-stop display of running not only up front but also back helping out too. Following the dismissal an unfortunate Toby Vosper was sacrificed to bring on, nearly fit again, Neil Ward in defence, from where he dominated things. Mitch Tippins started to show wide right as he tricked his way to the goal line on a couple of occasions only to be let down by his cross. Mitch let no one down though when he was on hand to side foot high into the net, Jimmy Potts' low left wing cross. The goal came with just eight minutes remaining taking the stream out of the visitors in the process. Letcombe looked like they thought the game had gone and within a couple more minutes Jimmy Potts made sure that it was. He chased down a defender, robbing him near the centre circle then raced unopposed toward goal where he deftly flicked the ball around the oncoming keeper. The visitors got the goal their play promised at a time when everyone awaited the final whistle. Having won a corner kick they were subsequently awarded a penalty after the referee spotted some pushing. Richard Claydon converted what turned out to be the very last kick of the game. FT 2.1

Sheppard, Gordon, Nash, Walker, Mainstone, Vosper (Ward) Waters, Gent (Totterdell) Bishop, Potts (1) Cameron (Tippins 1)