Watts stars as Cleeve hit Brixham for six!
Five second half goals helped Bishops Cleeve cruise past Brixham AFC on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.
After Tuesday night’s penalty win against Bristol Rovers U21s, Cleeve were back in league action as they looked to bounce back after a deflating 5-0 loss to league leaders Portishead two weeks ago. The hosts, Brixham, looked to put distance between them and the relegation zone — with just a point keeping them above the drop prior to kick-off.
The hosts had the first couple of chances in the opening exchanges, with new man Devanti McInerney dragging an effort wide in the third minute, and Jack Watts sending one over the bar a few moments later.
Will Turner was shown an early caution by the referee on 14 minutes after his late challenge in the middle of the park. The resulting free-kick from Brixham’s Aaron Wellington was comfortable for Lewis Clayton.
Watts nearly put the home side ahead on 17 minutes after McInerney’s cross was spilled by the Brixham keeper, but Watts couldn’t sort his feet out quickly enough to get his shot away.
Five minutes later, the Cleeve pressure prevailed. Ross Langworthy and Watts combined beautifully to cut through the Brixham defence, with the latter caught by defender Tyler Joint in the penalty area — prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Toby Holland stepped up, sending keeper Dan Gillard the wrong way to put the Mitres ahead on 22 minutes.
The pair combined again four minutes later; this time it was Watts setting up Langworthy with a pin-point cross — but the skipper’s header forced a strong stop from Gillard.
Watts had yet another chance on 29 minutes after Joe Jeremiah’s cross found the forward, who couldn’t keep his volley the right side of the post.
With 11 minutes left in the first half, the visitors equalised against the run of play. Charlie Johansen carried the ball for 20 yards before hitting a long-range shot that took a deflection and wrong-footed Clayton.
Jake Lee glanced a header wide after a Holland corner six minutes later — another missed opportunity for the home side.
Though it had been a dominant first-half display from the hosts, they found themselves level at the break. Albeit with a stroke of luck, Brixham had took their chance, and it was all to play for at half-time.
But it didn’t take long for Cleeve to restore their lead. Just three minutes in the second half, it was 2-1. Watts was found at the back post by McInerney, and his cut-back was met excellently by the oncoming Ben Mclean.
Moments later, Gillard produced two key saves to prevent a third after a sweeping Cleeve move. He stopped McLean’s volley before gathering McInerney’s follow-up.
The home side eventually got their third on 64 minutes when Luke Payne made a dart down the left and drilled a ball across the box. Brixham captain Ryan Beattie was unfortunate enough to get the final touch and turn it into his own net.
Watts, who was brilliant all afternoon, was denied yet again on 71 minutes after making some room for himself inside the area. The foot of Gillard blocked him this time.
Minutes later the Mitres scored a fourth. Substitute Harry Leeson skipped past his man in midfield, and fed Langworthy down the middle, who never looked like missing.
Five minutes remained of the match when Curtis Jemmett-Hutson got himself involved in the action off the bench, winning the ball back for himself and driving forward to smash home and make it 5-1.
But they still weren’t done. Jemmett-Hutson turned provider three minutes later when his corner met the head of Josh Nelmes, who thumped it past Gillard.
The final whistle relieved a weary Brixham and sealed Bishops Cleeve’s return to league form.
Both sides are at home on Tuesday night in a quick turn-over, with Cleeve hosting Didcot Town and Brixham welcoming Mousehole. The Mitres also face Mousehole next Saturday where a long away trip awaits, while Westbury United welcome Brixham.
Bishops Cleeve: Clayton; Payne, Turner, Lee, Nelmes, Holland, Mclean, Watts, Langworthy ©, Jeremiah, McInerney.
Subs: Gilder, Malshanskyj, Keeping (78’), Leeson (69’), Jemmett-Hutson (57’).
Brixham AFC: Gillard; Stevens, Joint, Beattie ©, Howarth, Rose, Roberts, Johansen, Shearer, Wellington, Hancox.
Subs: Harford, Maslen (69’) Baker (87’), Shaw (69’), Parkin.
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Jack Watts (Bishops Cleeve)
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s results in and around Gloucestershire right here
