Odd Down are still looking for their first victory of the season in Jewson Western Football League Division One.
Odd Down have the ball in the Bristol Telephones midfield on Saturday 16th August | Photo © Odd Down FC
After two draws and a defeat in their opening three games, the Down visited Bristol Telephones on Saturday 16th August.
And they were left to rue defensive lapses as they went down 3-1, a result that left them outside the danger zone only on goal-difference.
The visitors started brightly, an early long-range shot from Alfie Prescott going narrowly wide.
Telephones then counter-attacked and took the lead with a deflected effort by James Batchelor.
Neither side could settle in the hot conditions on a difficult surface.
But a defensive mix-up by Odd Down just before the break presented Batchelor with a simple finish and Telephones led 2-0.
The Down were much improved in the second half, their substitutes making an impact. The guests were a bigger threat up front, with better shape.
And, with 75 minutes played, Odd Down scored. James Hare cut in from the right and netted with a well-taken shot to make it 2-1.
The Down pressed for an equaliser and looked the more likely to score.
But they were caught on the counter-attack late on, Telephones’ Liam McCracken putting the game beyond the visitors by firing into an empty net.
Further chances fell to Odd Down in the seven minutes of injury-time. And they almost reduced the arrears through Hare, who was denied by the home keeper.
The Down described the match as an even contest not for the purist.
The men from the Lew Hill Memorial Ground now turn their attention to the Isuzu FA Vase.
On Saturday 23rd August they will travel to Thatcham Town – now members of Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division South following relegation from the Pitching In Southern League this year – in the first qualifying round (3pm).
The Down will entertain Calne Town in the league on Tuesday 26th August (7.45pm).
