Nailsea Town gain promotion despite playing half of their games during March and April.

Portishead Town Res 2 Nailsea Town 2

NOTWITHSTANDING the fact that Portishead were already relegated from Somerset County Division 1 and Nailsea promoted from the same division, this was an end of season game with plenty of action in it.

The score was 1-1 at half-time and after the break both sides went for the win, but on the balance of play the home side deserved a point. The Town scorers were Matt Fisher and inevitably top scorer Mike Purnell.

A glowing tribute was paid to the players and coaching staff by club chairman Phil Reed, who said: “The team has had to play half a season’s matches since March and despite crippling injuries and personal sacrifices have a remarkable record in that period of winning 10 matches, drawing six and losing only one. They remain unbeaten in the last 15 games having played 11 in April alone.”

Mr Reed went on to say: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our club sponsors Budgens who have been supportive throughout the season and Marianne and Monty and their wonderful staff at the Old Farmhouse, Nailsea, who have given us wonderful hospitality over the season and kept us cheerful when things got tough.”

Fry Club 1 Nailsea Town 1

NAILSEA Town guaranteed themselves a runners-up medal with a hard fought point against difficult opposition.

With Fry’s starting the better team and Town looking a tired outfit, Fry’s had all the early possession. Midway through the first half Town started to get going with Fisher and Evans winning the midfield battle, this created chances for the lively forwards of Jason Mellor and Mike Purnell.

However, despite their best efforts the half ended in stalemate. Nailsea then conceded a soft goal straight after the break which had the desired effect of getting the Town players up for the challenge.

All over the pitch Nailsea battled hard and created chances and great vision from Purnell put Scott Pilgrim in and he was brought down for a penalty. Purnell stepped up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb.

Town could have won the game when Purnell was dragged down by the keeper yards from goal but no penalty was given. Man of the match was Jason Mellor with his class and skill on the ball throughout the game.