Smith heroics help Bream move four points clear of bottom three

Bream Amateurs claimed a huge 1-0 as Jayson Watkins scored the only goal of the game at Winchcombe Town on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

With both sides fighting it out at the foot of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two table, the clash between the two was set to be an interesting matchup — particularly with Bream having played just twice since December due to repeated postponements. The hosts, on the other hand, came into this fixture in decent form — having lost just once in their last four games.

The away side struck first, and early. Joel Beeston’s long ball from the back found Richard May, who’s initial effort was well saved by Winchcombe keeper Nathan Palmer, but Watkins was on-hand to bundle in and give the visitors the early lead after two minutes.

Bream almost gifted Winchcombe a way back into the game a minute later. Jay Bettel was presented an opportunity inside the area, only for his strike to be caught by Mitchell Smith in the Bream net.

Bettel came close again on 26 minutes with a left-footed free-kick that whistled past the post. The hosts were beginning to improve, yet were lacking some quality in the final third.

Six minutes later, Sam Powell beautifully found Bettell in behind the Bream defence, but Smith stood tall to deny the striker a Winchcombe equaliser.

Bream went up the other end moments later with May finding himself in behind again, this time sweeping an effort just wide.

Another good effort passed the home side by with seven minutes remaining of the first half. This time it was a Bettell corner that bounced off the chest of Harry Hancox and kindly into the arms of Smith.

Palmer denied a Bream second just minutes later with a brilliant save to stop a Jayson Watkins header from close-range.

Bream headed into the break with a one-goal lead, having had the better chances of two sides. Winchcombe slowly grew into the half with a few good chances to draw level, yet none too clear-cut.

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May almost extended the Bream lead three minutes into the second half when Matthews found him with a whipped cross. The forward made good contact on the volley which, again, was kept out well by Palmer.

Fran Lloyd had an effort from range on 65 minutes which was beaten away by Smith as Winchcombe looked for the leveller.

Ten minutes later, Smith was called into action again when Powell found space for a strike that stung the palms of the keeper once more.

Jordan Griffiths was inches away from doubling the Bream lead on 80 minutes after a brilliant strike from range rattled the cross-bar. The visitors were then waved away a penalty appeal following a collision from the rebound.

Matty Watkins had a headed chance loop over the bar with two minutes remaining in pursuit of a late equaliser after he failed to get under Lloyd’s cross.

Lloyd let another shot fly from range in added time which Smith tipped to the feet of Jordan O’Brien, who couldn’t sort his feet out at the crucial moment — and Bream held out to confirm all three points.

Winchcombe take a week’s break when they host Harrow Hill on the 28th, before kicking off the first of their March fixtures with a trip to Hardwick. Bream are scheduled to welcome Frampton United Reserves next weekend, with a trip to Mitchaldean awaiting the following week.

Subs: Robson (68’), Watkins (62’), Roberts (68’), Martin (55’).

Subs: Adams, Addis (90’), M.Cunliffe (75’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Mitchell Smith (Bream Amateurs)