Larkhall Athletic got back to winning ways after two damaging defeats when they overcame Bashley on Saturday 15th November – but they had to come from behind to do so.
Larkhall Athletic net their third goal against Bashley at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 15th November | Photo © Phil Scovell
The Larks appeared to be mounting a promotion push in Pitching In Southern League Division One South.
But then they lost two games to high-flying rivals in the space of four days, going down 2-0 at Shaftesbury on Saturday 8th November and falling 2-1 at home to Winchester City on Wednesday 12th November.
The loss to Winchester was particularly galling as Athletic led through Dawid Regula’s goal and were beaten by an injury-time effort from Conor Lynch.
But against another Hampshire side, relegation battlers Bashley, the Larks picked up three crucial points to reignite their drive towards Premier South, the 2-1 victory at the Camella Stadium leaving them three places, and six points, adrift of the play-off zone.
Midfield action from the Camella Stadium as Larkhall Athletic, blue, take on Bashley | Photo © Phil Scovell
Lewis Waterfield lobbed home keeper Liam Armstrong from 35 yards to give the New Forest villagers a 16th-minute lead in front of a crowd of 215.
But a screamer from the edge of the box by Jack Camm got the Larks back on terms six minutes before the break.
Max Williams put the hosts in front – after Bash gloveman Lloyd Thomas repelled a Larkhall close-range effort following a corner – in the 47th minute.
And hosts’ debutant Kieran Phillips wrapped up the success by netting in the 74th minute from an Athletic counter attack.
Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Will Banks, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Ewan McMillan, Jack Camm, Max Williams, Alex Camm, Kieran Phillips, Dawid Regula, Milo Murtagroyd.
The Larks will be on their travels twice over the next few days as they chase more league points.
Play becomes overly physical at the Camella Stadium during the Larkhall Athletic versus Bashley match | Photo © Phil Scovell
On Saturday 22nd November (3pm) they will go back to struggling Tavistock, who beat them on penalties in West Devon in the Isuzu FA Trophy two months ago. Larkhall gained revenge at the Camella Stadium a week later in the league.
Then on Tuesday 25th November (7.45pm), Athletic will travel to Worcestershire to face Malvern Town, who occupy the last play-off spot.
Larkhall Athletic Development found themselves out of action on Saturday 15th November when their Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division derby at Trowbridge Town was called off, because of an unplayable pitch, five minutes before scheduled kick-off.
The young Larks are set to resume Wiltshire League action at home to Cricklade Town on Saturday 22nd November (3pm).
