Larkhall Athletic chalked up another home victory when they beat Swindon Supermarine at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 1st November.
Dawid Regula lobs Swindon Supermarine keeper Luke Purnell to give Larkhall Athletic a 2-1 lead at the Camella Stadium | Photo © BlackmorePhotography.co.uk
The Wiltshire side lie in mid-table in Pitching In Southern League Division One South following demotion at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
And the Larks followed up their success against Westbury United at the Plain Ham venue on Saturday 18th October by dispatching Marine 3-2 in front of a crowd of 205.
Athletic are certainly enjoying themselves, as the victory was their second in the space of three days – they overcame Frome Town at Badgers Hill on Wednesday 29th October.
Larkhall Athletic celebrate after the out-of-picture Eben Mortimer-Taylor put them 1-0 ahead against Swindon Supermarine on Saturday 1st November | Photo © BlackmorePhotography.co.uk
Eben Mortimer-Taylor handed Larkhall an eighth-minute lead against Supermarine, firing in from the edge of the box following a corner.
But the travellers levelled in the 53rd minute, through Sid Gbla.
Dawid Regu?a lobbed the hosts back in front on the hour and Max Williams banged in their third goal 10 minutes later.
Athletic had the chance to make it 4-1 when they were awarded a 75th-minute penalty for a foul by Olly Case. But Regula’s spot-kick was saved by Marine gloveman Luke Purnell, who also thwarted the number 9’s attempt to bury the loose ball.
Max Williams, right, celebrates with Dawid Regula, centre, and Jack Camm after netting Larkhall Athletic’s third goal against Swindon Supermarine | © BlackmorePhotography.co.uk
The visitors reduced the deficit through Zach Rugman six minutes into injury-time – but the Larks were not to be denied their seventh league victory of the campaign.
Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Lewis Graham, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Ewan McMillan, Will Banks, Max Williams, Alex Camm, Dawid Regula, Ryan Beckinsale, Eben Mortimer-Taylor.
Athletic have lost only one of their last six games in the league – a 2-1 setback at Exmouth Town on Saturday 25th October. That run of matches includes four wins; a promotion push could well be in the offing.
But the Larks will face a tough few days as they look for more points.
On Saturday 8th November (3pm) they will visit North Dorset to face a Shaftesbury side who have surpassed all expectations after last season’s struggles and are now serious contenders for the title.
And on Wednesday 12th November (7.45pm) they will face another of the promotion contenders, relegated Winchester City, at the Camella Stadium.
The Larks have praised their former midfielder Matt Bowman, who has moved to Enterprise National League club Bath City.
Larkhall chairman Paul Rankin said: “We’re disappointed to lose Matt Bowman to Bath City but delighted for him.
“He’s wanted to test himself at a higher level and has been given the opportunity following an introduction from us.
“We’re confident that Matt will be a success at their level and moving in that direction rather than to another suitor chasing him will improve the relationship between Larkhall and Bath City.”
Larkhall manager Ollie Price added: “Matty has always had ambition to play at a higher level and we were lucky to have him for as long as we did.
“From his first appearance to his last, his physique, technique and eye for a goal helped us achieve some brilliant results.
“He’s another player that we’ve helped develop and improve and now kick on.
“Matty is a great lad from a lovely family and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Under-strength Larkhall Development climbed into second spot in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division by drawing 1-1 at Pewsey Vale on Saturday 1st November.
Pewsey opened the scoring shortly before half-time. A long free-kick into the Larkhall box caught out the visitors and Andy Rossiter headed home.
However, the Larks equalised with 20 minutes remaining. New signing Billy Turl set up Arlo Stone who shot past Vale keeper Henry Owen.
The result left Athletic four points behind leaders Shrewton United, who were without a fixture. Both sides have played 16 games.
Larkhall Development’s next match is at home to mid-table Shrivenham in the Premier Division on Saturday 8th November (3pm).
