Armstrong saves penalty as Larks win at Southern League newcomers

Larkhall Athletic moved up to 10th place in Pitching In Southern League Division One South when they triumphed 2-1 at lowly Sporting Club Inkberrow on Tuesday 14th October.

Action from the Camella Stadium as Larkhall Athletic, blue, face Willand Rovers on Saturday 11th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

The Worcestershire villagers have had a tough start to life at Step 4 following three successive promotions. And they went behind to the Larks in the 24th minute, when Dawid Regula netted after a corner.

However, Inkberrow levelled two minutes before half-time, Samson Hewett on target with a 40-yard cracker.

James Horrocks put Athletic in front again with a 49th-minute goal but the home side had a great chance to get back on terms when they were awarded a penalty. Guests’ keeper Liam Armstrong saved Jay Higgins-Pugsley’s spot-kick and Larkhall fans in the crowd of 127 went home happy.

Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Jeff Forkuo, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Sam Boulton, Asa White, Ryan Beckinsale, Max Williams, Matt Bowman, James Horrocks, Alex Camm, Dawid Regula.

Larkhall Athletic, blue, on the attack against Willand Rovers on Saturday 11th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

Athletic recovered from falling two goals behind after only five minutes to force a draw with Mid Devon side Willand Rovers at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 11th October.

In front of a crowd of 153, Bailey Kempster fired the visitors in front after two minutes. And Finn Herbert soon doubled Rovers’ lead.

The Larks cut the deficit in the 36th minute, Matt Bowman heading in. And 10 minutes into the second half, the home side hit the bar.

Larkhall piled on the pressure but Willand looked to have done enough to earn maximum points as the match entered injury-time with the travellers still in front.

Larkhall Athletic find the net during their 2-2 draw with Willand Rovers at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 11th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

But in the second additional minute, Horrocks levelled matters at 2-2.

Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Max Williams, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Sam Boulton, Asa White, Ryan Beckinsale, Alex Camm, Matt Bowman, Dawid Regula, Eben Mortimer-Taylor, Milo Murgatroyd.

The Larks will be in league derby action on Saturday 18th October when they host Westbury United at the Camella Stadium (3pm).

Larkhall Athletic Development crushed minnows Bishops Cannings 6-0 in the first round of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League’s Fountain Trophies Senior Cup on Wednesday 15th October.

On target at the Camella Stadium were Ben Wickens (2), Reuben Whitson, Horrocks, Milo Murgatroyd and Ewan McMillan.

The young Larks will visit Purton Kingsdown in the Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division on Saturday 18th October (3pm).