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Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 09:22
Shepton Mallet 2
Shepton secured a comfortable win at Minehead as manager Kevan Davis fielded a new-look side as promised.
New signings Simon Lock, who not long ago played for Minehead, and ex-Bath City keeper Owen Dunn were joined by Lee Smith, returning for his first game since the middle of last season.
Smith has struggled with recurring injuries since breaking his leg three years ago, but has hopefully recovered fully this time around as he deserves better fortune.
Paul Dexter and James Parrot were also restored to the side and, understandably perhaps with a new formation, it took Shepton a while to find their shape.
Andy Hall and Aaron Deekes tested Dunn early on, the new keeper making confident saves on each occasion. Deekes then shot over the bar before Shepton started to find their form.
After Greg Dycer shot wide, Gary Banfield stayed upfield following a Shepton corner. Banfield latched on to a loose ball before firing a goalbound shot past Minehead keeper Greg Howard, only to see a defender clear from his own goalline.
A couple of minutes later Ashley Francis broke through one-on-one with Howard, but seemed to have an eternity to decide where to place his shot and, as happens in such circumstances, he only succeeded in shooting straight into the grateful keeper's arms.
Shepton's pressure paid off after 35 minutes when Minehead's James Browning conceded a soft penalty after needlessly handling the ball inside the box. Francis converted the spot kick, just, off the inside of a post to give Shepton the lead, and James Parrot missed a good chance to add a second soon afterwards.
Early in the second period, Howard kept his side in touch after he raced from his area to prevent Paul Dexter scoring, and then Andy Stewart and Lee Smith combined well to present Dexter with another good chance which he failed to convert. Meanwhile in defence, Brad Allen enjoyed a purple patch as he broke up three Minehead attacks with some great tackles in quick succession, before Shepton brought on Ren Turnock midway throughout the half.
And what an impact the youngster made as he carved the home defence apart, creating three good chances for himself in his first five minutes of action alone.
Francis also tested Howard and Minehead conceded several free kicks as they tried to contain the rampant Turnock.
But, with 10 minutes to go, it was a foul on Parrot that led to a second Shepton goal. Turnock took the free-kick from wide out on the right flank, but crossed too near to Howard. Or so it seemed, before the unfortunate keeper allowed the ball to squirm through his legs and into the net.
For Shepton's new boys, Lock showed some excellent touches, particularly in the first half, including one run past three opponents before shooting into the side netting. Dunn looked solid and helped Shepton keep their first league clean sheet of the season. If Smith can stay clear of further niggling injuries, the signs are that all three can help Shepton's cause in hopefully climbing the table. On Saturday, Shepton visit Keynsham Town (3pm).
For a report from Shepton's Tuesday night's Somerset FA Premier Cup game against Bridgwater Town, see www.thisisshepton.co.uk/sport.
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