County League: Rockleaze 1 Taverners 2 (From Stroud News and Journal)

County League: Rockleaze 1 Taverners 2

2:40pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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TAVERNERS returned from league leaders Rockleaze with all three points after Mark Harsant's 91st minute winner.

The first half was an even affair with both sides having a couple off good chances.

The first fell to Tavs Jay Redbond but he blazed wide off the goal from a good position. The impressive Rockleaze striker Kye Simpson then lobbed the on rushing keeper Duane Portlock but Mike Thornton got back to clear the ball from the goalline.

Simpson made another good run giving himself a good shooting position but his strike cleared the crossbar. However, Redbond broke into the Rockleaze box but failed to find the well positioned Rich Kerry in the six yard box.

On the stroke off half-time Portlock's clearance only found Simpson who homed in on goal but a foul from Ian Preece on the edge off the Tavs box resulted in a booking and a free kick.

The Nailsworth side changed formation at the break to help contain Simpson and had a good chance from a well delivered Thornton free kick but Tom Burridge's header was saved.

Simpson then missed a good chance for the hosts as he shot tamely with Portlock saving comfortably.Midway through the half the home side made the breakthrough when Ian Burnell did well to get in a cross with Aaron Day heading home.

Tavs rallied. Thornton's free kick saw a Burridge header saved.

Burridge was not to be denied though when a thumping header from Tom Hanley's corner brought Tavs level with 15 minutes to go.

Both sides looked for the winner and Portlock saved superbly from Simpson before the decisive late goal.

Hanley robbed Mike Low before playing in Harsant who had his initial effort brilliantly saved by Nicholls but the ball rebounded back into Harsant and went into the far corner off the net to give the visitors an excellent victory.

10 minutes to go.

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