Larks bag fine win over Hartpury and Devs go top of Wilts League

Larkhall Athletic recorded arguably their best win of the season when they defeated promoted Hartpury in Pitching In Southern League Division One South on Wednesday 1st October.

Larkhall Athletic saw off Hartpury – who are chasing a third successive promotion – 3-1 at the Camella Stadium on Wednesday 1st October | Photo © Richard Briggs

The Larks secured a 3-1 victory over the Gloucestershire outfit, who are chasing a third successive elevation and, despite their setback at the Camella Stadium, are still in the play-off places.

After a sticky start to the league campaign, Athletic now find themselves in 10th place in the table – four points adrift of the play-off zone and three points ahead of the relegation area.

The Acorns went close to taking a 21st minute lead, Vanylson Silva’s header slamming against the bar.

Following a Larkhall break, Dawid Regula finished well to give the Bath side a 27th-minute advantage.

But Hartpury levelled shortly afterwards through Drew Robinson, who fired into the top-left corner following a cross by Louis Manning.

Matthew Bowman restored Athletic’s lead nine minutes before the interval, heading home following a corner.

And, in front of a crowd of 142, Regula completed his brace two minutes into the second half when he rounded Acorns’ keeper Ryan Smallwood and put the ball away.

Alex Camm produced a fine stop from Smallwood but Hartpury came strong, forcing Larkhall gloveman Liam Armstrong into several smart saves.

In the first meeting of the sides, Larkhall suffered a late blow when defender Jake Goodall was sent off for the second match running. But they held on for three excellent points.

Regula was named Athletic’s man of the match.

Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Max Williams, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Asa White, Ryan Beckinsale, Alex Camm, Matt Bowman, Harvey Flippance, Dawid Regula, Milo Murgatroyd.

The Larks were undone by a last-minute decider as they were beaten 2-1 by Cornish club Mousehole in a league game at Interiora Trundle Parc on Saturday 27th September.

Athletic moved in front through Harvey Flippance’s close-range goal in the 53rd minute but were reduced to 10 men when Goodall was dismissed 15 minutes later after picking up his second booking.

The Duchy outfit equalised through Mark Goldsworthy in the 70th minute and grabbed the winner five minutes into added time, Liam Prynn on target.

Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Max Williams, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Asa White, Ryan Beckinsale, Alex Camm, Matt Bowman, Harvey Flippance, Eben Mortimer-Taylor, Milo Murgatroyd.

The Larks will visit Didcot Town in the league on Saturday 4th October (3pm).

Larkhall Development went to the top of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division table by seeing off third-placed Melksham Town Reserves 4-2 at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 27th September.

That scoreline, combined with a 4-2 setback at Shrivenham for title-chasers Swindon Supermarine Development, sent the Larks two points clear at the summit.

Athletic started brightly and went ahead after eight minutes. A neat one-two between James Okell and Ben Wickens set up the latter to curl a well-placed shot into the top corner of the net.

Larkhall doubled their lead after 15 minutes, a high press forcing the Melksham defence into an error and Arlo Stone scoring from the edge of the box.

The visitors began to settle and put the Larks under pressure with a series of long throws. Town were rewarded for their efforts on 34 minutes when a long throw was headed home by Aron Byfield.

Athletic regained their two-goal cushion on the stroke of half-time when Okell’s shot was parried by the keeper and Stone volleyed home.

Larkhall’s James Payton was sin binned five minutes into the second period – and Melksham took full advantage. A long free-kick was misjudged by the hosts’ defence, allowing Ollie Farrell to net his seventh goal of the season.

Melksham pushed hard for an equaliser – but the Larks were not finished. Wickens brought a superb save from the Town keeper in the 85th minute. And with two minutes left, Reuben Whitson played in Stone who squared for Angus Williamson to shoot into an empty net.

Mark Burge, Larkhall Development’s assistant manager, said: “It’s been a fantastic start – top of the league after 13 games.

“We’ve got a great group of lads and a great team spirit.

“The Devs offer a clear pathway for our thriving youth section, and we’re excited to see what the rest of the season brings.”

Larkhall Development will take a break from league action on Saturday 4th October. Instead they will play their Somerset Senior Cup first-round tie with Wells City Reserves at the Camella Stadium (2pm).