Larks concede goal in each half and lose to lower-grade hosts

Larkhall Athletic conceded a goal in each half as they tumbled to defeat in their pre-season friendly at Shepton Mallet on Friday 10th July.

Larkhall Athletic were beaten by lower-grade Shepton Mallet in a pre-season friendly here at West Shepton Playing Fields on Friday 10th July | Photo © Richard Briggs

The Larks, from Pitching In Southern League Division One South, went into the match having beaten Bitton and lost to Bath City in their two previous warm-up fixtures.

But they suffered disappointment at West Shepton Playing Fields, losing 2-0 against a side from the Jewson Western League Premier Division.

Mallet destroyed Hengrove Athletic – newly relegated from Western League Division One – 10-1 at the Datel Services Stadium on Tuesday 7th July.

And in front of a crowd of 129, the Mid Somerset outfit took the lead against Larkhall when Ali Sen struck in the 36th minute.

Sen almost doubled his tally in the 76th minute, his long-ranger hitting the bar. However, Tom Ovigne was on hand to bury the loose ball and complete the scoring.

When Athletic took on Shepton last summer in a friendly at the Camella Stadium, the hosts cruised to a 5-1 success.

The Larks will face Welsh opposition in their next warm-up game – at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 18th July.

John Durbin’s side will entertain Newport City, from Novira Cymru South – the second tier of Welsh football. Kick-off will be at 3pm.

Athletic’s Southern League fixtures will be released on Friday 17th July.