Odd Down into second place thanks to third straight victory

Odd Down moved into second place in Jewson Western League Division One on Saturday 8th August, extending their 100% record under new manager Tom Smith to three matches.

Odd Down on the attack during their home win over Bristol Telephones in the Jewson Western League | Photo © Odd Down FC

The Down’s latest success came against Bristol Telephones at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground and followed victories over Nailsea United and Radstock Town.

And after a pair of tight wins, the margin this time was again one goal – the hosts prevailed 2-1 in front of a crowd of 60.

All the goals came in the first half, skipper Ryan Gay – who took his season’s tally to three – and Josh Fowler finding the net for Odd Down. Gay has struck in all of the Bath club’s league games this term.

The captain put the home side in front after only three minutes but the Phones equalised through Preston Webb.

Howlett notched the winner in the 25th minute – following an assist by Gay.

Defender Lewis Bahadur was the Down’s man of the match.

Odd Down man of the match Lewis Bahadur takes the ball into Bristol Telephones’ territory on Saturday 8th August | Photo © Odd Down FC

Odd Down: Alfie Kelsey, James Book, Lewis Bahadur, Joe Paradise, Josh Howlett, Joe Ellis, Jack Kelsey (Charlie Saunders, 60), Lewis Hunt, Jake Slocombe (Lenny Gale, 62), Ryan Gay (Gracjan Blajek, 75), Alfie Andrews. Unused subs: Will Gould, Jaiden Savery.

The Down now have a break until Tuesday 18th August, when they resume Western League action by making the short trip to the Dynamic Signs Stadium to take on Bitton (7.30pm).

Reflecting on the Down’s great start to the campaign, Smith said: “To win our opening three league games is a fantastic achievement.

“To hear that it’s the first time Odd Down have done that in 17 years makes it even more special.

“The players deserve a huge amount of credit. Their attitude, commitment and togetherness have been excellent, both in training and on matchdays.

“We know there’s still a long way to go and plenty of hard work ahead – but we couldn’t have asked for a better start.

“A massive thank you also has to go to everyone who has come along and supported us. The backing we’ve had has been brilliant and really does make a difference to the players.

“We’ll keep working hard, keep improving and take each game as it comes.”

The draw for the first round of the Francis Hill Premier Cup – formerly the Somerset Premier Cup – has handed Odd Down a home tie with Western League Premier Division side Clevedon Town. The match will be played in September, the date yet to be confirmed.

Odd Down, black and white, and Bristol Telephones tussle at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on Saturday 8th August | Photo © Odd Down FC

Odd Down Development dismantled hosts Radstock Town Development 4-1 in a friendly at Southfields on Wednesday 5th August.

Jasper Morris, Dante McEwan, Balla Jobe and Chayank Kaushik scored for the visitors.

The Down Devs will play away to Saltford in another warm-up fixture on Saturday 15th August.

Odd Down U18 made a winning start to pre-season, beating AEK Boco U18 3-2 at Greenbank Road on Thursday 6th August thanks to a goal apiece from Guiseppe la Porta, Tommy Nairn and Jesse Jones.