Ashton & Backwell United striker Callum Townsend netted both his side’s goal in a 2-1 victory over Warminster Town.

Ashton & Backwell 2

Warminster Town 1

While the swirling wind and heavy rain made conditions treacherous for all players, when the teams both turned out in Stags’ strips the crowd had cause for confusion. The explanation was that Warminster had brought their blue strip in error, so Town were forced into unfamiliar yellow to avoid any clash.

The Stags should have taken the lead on 20 minutes when the ball was pumped into Town’s box, Elson’s close-range effort was smothered by Ball, only for Jarrett to thump the rebound into the upright.

From then on Warminster monopolised the chances with a battle between McKay and man of the match Lewis Coombes ensuing, with the home keeper making three excellent saves.

For all this effort the score remained level, but just before half time the Stags at last used their passing ability to construct a move with their own 10-pass move, Bishop, Coombes, Thomas and Walker combined to set Townsend free to skip past two challenges and slot the ball home to take the lead into the interval.

After this Town were back on the attack immediately, Miluk, Johnson and McKay linking and only a tip over the bar from Coombes preserving the lead.

Straight after, Miluk was thwarted by a great Bishop interception, in which he, league debutant and strong contender for man of the match Tom Press and Thomas all had strong games.

After 57 minutes, Walton thought his long-range effort had levelled the score, only to see the ball rebound back off the crossbar. Six minutes later, despite all the Town pressure, the Stags doubled their lead.

A Walker throw to Townsend saw him bundled over in the penalty area and he calmed stroked home the spot kick.

Town pulled a goal back on 73 minutes in bizarre fashion when the Stags conceded an unnecessary free kickalf. Substitute Mortimer-Taylor’s kick drifted in and was missed

by attack and defence alike.

The Stags go into the Christmas programme in sixth place, with an away derby at Portishead at 1pm on Boxing Day next on the agenda, followed by a home match against Bishops Lydeard on December 29 (3pm).

The next home fixture see the Reserves take on Portishead Reserves on Saturday (2pm).

Picture: Mike West, Backwell Camera Club.