Beer Albion Reserves lost their 100 per cent home league record going down 1-0 to Uplowman at the Furzebrake on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

Beer were second-best on the day, but they battled hard to stay on even terms and were only beaten by an 80th minute goal.

The visitors, the best Fresha League Division Five outfit seen at the Furzebrake this season, stand third in the table with games in hand and on this performance they must fancy their chances of winning the title.

The visitors made a lively start and were soon putting the Fishermen’s defence under pressure with their high intensity play and use of the long ball. With centre-backs Griggs and Sam White showing strength and composure and keeper Mike Westlake looking assured, Beer coped well with the pressure in the first half and restricted Uplowman to two chances, one on 20 minutes when Westlake saved well from a header and then on 42 minutes when a shot sailed just over the bar. In between, a couple of chances fell to Beer player-manager Simon Smith, but he miscued his shot on each occasion.

Just before the break Beer put together a neat passing move only for Adam Brewer to shoot wide.

The visitors came out strongly after the break and the play started to open up as the Fishermen began to tire. Beer did manage two close attempts on when on 55 minutes Smith just failed to get on the end of a low cross from Brewer and then a minute later Smith again shot narrowly wide from long range.

Apart from that the Fishermen posed little threat and man-of-the match Westlake was increasingly called into action making some fine saves to keep his side in the game.

But the Beer keeper was finally beaten on 80 minutes when Uplowman striker Jordan scored with a low shot into the left corner.

The Fishermen bravely sought an equaliser in the last five minutes with some spirited play, but Uplowman held on comfortably for a well-deserved victory.