Odd Down pipped by higher-grade hosts in hastily arranged friendly

Odd Down were pipped 2-1 by uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side Bradford Town in a friendly on Saturday 25th July.

Odd Down, black and white, and Bradford Town tussle at the BK Decorators Ground on Saturday 25th July | Photo © Odd Down FC

The game at the BK Decorators Ground in Bradford-on-Avon was arranged at short notice to replace the Down’s scheduled fixture at uhlsport Somerset County League Premier Division outfit Congresbury.

The match in North Somerset was cancelled on Wednesday 22nd July due to pitch problems at the villagers’ Broadstones Playing Field home.

Charlie Saunders netted for Odd Down at Bradford, who led 1-0 at half-time.

Odd Down in possession during their 2-1 defeat in the pre-season friendly at Bradford Town | Photo © Odd Down FC

A spokesman for the visitors said: “A good performance and another valuable run-out for the lads, despite a 2-1 defeat.”

Odd Down’s next – and final – warm-up match will be tomorrow, Tuesday 28th July, when they face a Melksham Town XI at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground (7.30pm).

At stake will be the Mark Brown Memorial Cup, a trophy in memory of former Odd Down Development manager and Melksham player Mark Brown who died in March 2023.

The Down’s Jewson Western League Division One match at Bristol Telephones on Saturday 8th August has been switched to the Lew Hill Memorial Ground.

Odd Down make ground against Bradford Town in the friendly that replaced the Bath team’s cancelled match at Congresbury | Photo © Odd Down FC

The game has been moved because of building work taking place at Telephones’ BTRA Sports Ground in Stockwood.

Odd Down have signed midfielder Lewis Hunt, a former Larkhall Athletic and Welton Rovers man who has also played in Australia.

Odd Down Development’s opening pre-season friendly resulted in a draw with Somerset County League Division Three outfit Tunley Athletic on 25th July.

The match at Tunley Recreation Centre ended 1-1, Balla Jobe putting the guests ahead and the home side equalising at the death.

The Devs’ next friendly will be at their Radstock Town counterparts on Tuesday 4th August.