Larks win Southern League basement battle thanks to Cleary strike

Larkhall Athletic recorded a crucial victory at bottom side Slimbridge in Pitching In Southern League Division One South on Wednesday 30th September.

Ben Cleary’s second-half goal gave Larkhall Athletic a vital 1-0 victory here at Slimbridge on Wednesday 30th September in the Pitching In Southern League | Photo © Richard Briggs

The Larks travelled to Gloucestershire in penultimate place in the table, ahead of the Swans on goal-difference but having played three more matches.

So the encounter at Thornhill Park was a must-win game for John Durbin’s men – and they gave themselves a massive boost by prevailing 1-0 to climb three places into 18th spot.

However, Slimbridge – last season’s uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division champions – went close to taking an early lead as Casey Collins crashed a header off the bar in the ninth minute.

And the hosts hit the goal-frame again right on half-time, a curling shot from Jack Smith slamming against a post.

Athletic rode their luck, though, and punished the Swans when they netted the decider in the 56th minute.

Ben Cleary was the scorer, following great work by Milo Murgatroyd, in front of a crowd of 186.

It was Larkhall’s turn to hit a post three minutes later.

But visiting keeper Liam Armstrong had to be alert to produce a fine save in the 84th minute.

And shortly afterwards, Slimbridge’s Luke Bence headed wide from a good position.

However, the Larks took three crucial points – their first league victory since they overcame Westbury United at the Camella Stadium on Monday 31st August and their opening success on the road in the division this season.

Cleary said: “It was definitely physical. Both sides wanted to win.”

Larkhall: Liam Armstrong, Charlie Sidhu, Jeff Forkuo, Sam Boulton, Lewis Graham, Will Banks, Milo Murgatroyd (Jeff Barimah, 85), Jack Camm, Ben Cleary (Rhys Simmonds, 77), Alex Camm (Josh Morgan, 38), Seb Scott (Stan Wyatt, 67). Unused sub: Freddie King.

Athletic will visit eighth-placed Cornish side Falmouth Town in Division One South on Saturday 3rd October. Kick-off at Bickland Park will be at 3pm.