Bath City, Taunton Town, and Frome Town all advanced to the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy following commanding victories in their third qualifying round matches on Saturday.
Bath City put an end to Plymouth Parkway’s nine-game unbeaten streak with a 3-0 away win. Matt Bowman opened the scoring just after the 30-minute mark, with Reuben Reid doubling the lead shortly after. Enzio Boldewijn sealed the victory for the Romans in the second half, ensuring a comfortable progression.
Taunton Town emerged 3-2 victors against Havant & Waterlooville in a thrilling contest. Jay Murray was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick including the opener in the 12th minute. Despite Ethan Giwa-McNeil’s equaliser shortly before half-time, Murray struck twice more after the break. Dylan Rees netted a late goal for the hosts, but it was not enough to deny Taunton.
READ MORE: Lando Norris faces online abuse after calling for Franco Colapinto ban
READ MORE: Tom Abell Scores Historic Triple Century as Somerset and Surrey Play Out Draw
Frome Town were the sole winners in penalty shoot-outs among the region’s other representatives. After falling behind to Jude Horn’s 73rd-minute goal, Frome’s Archie Ferris levelled ten minutes later. In the ensuing shoot-out, goalkeeper Kyle Phillips made two crucial saves, and Jon Davies converted the winning spot-kick in a 4-2 shoot-out success over Willand.
Chippenham Town’s match against Weymouth ended 2-2, with penalties deciding the winner. Despite goals from Brooklyn Genesini and Tom Bearwish giving Weymouth the lead twice, Felix Miles and Alex Kieh responded for Chippenham. Ultimately, the Bluebirds fell 4-3 in the shoot-out.
Yate Town were also eliminated on penalties, losing 5-4 to visiting Sholing following a goalless draw.
In a separate Southern League Premier Division South fixture, Weston-super-Mare suffered a 4-3 defeat at Farnham Town. The hosts took an early lead when skipper Sam Avery’s clearance was intercepted by Owen Dean, who cleverly lobbed goalkeeper Max Harris. Bristol City loanee Luke Skinner created an opportunity that led to a goal by Derrick, levelling the score for Weston.
Farnham quickly regained the lead through Daryl Sanders after a misjudged clearance found him in space. Sanders added a second just before half-time. Late in the match, Jagger Cane pulled one back for Weston with a powerful header from substitute George Robesten’s cross, but the comeback fell short. This result leaves Weston in fifth place, trailing leaders Maidstone United by two points.