Beer Albion Reserves, without a win since October last year, pulled off an excellent 3-2 win against fourth-placed Kentisbeare in a Fresha League Division Five match at the Furzebrake on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

It has been a difficult period for the Fishermen’s second string struggling at times to put a side out and culminating in the recent resignation of player-manager Simon Smith.

But this was a spirited performance and new manager Bryan Brown was well pleased with his team’s performance.

The game started without any real incident until the 20th minute when Fishermen’s keeper Steve Jones needed to be alert to push out a fierce shot and then was relieved to see the rebound get blasted narrowly over the bar.

Two minutes later Kentisbeare were in front. Beer’s midfield gave the ball away too easily and a neat reverse pass found the visitor’s striker whose powerful shot was partially saved by Jones but the ball squeezed in at the far post. The visitors would have gone further in front on 27 minutes, but for a good save by Jones before on 28 minutes the Fishermen equalised through Billy Long who executed a cool finish after being put clear by Jack White.

Kentisbeare were however, back in front seven minutes later when a clumsy Beer tackle resulted in a penalty. Keeper Jones saved the spot kick but the rebound fell to a visiting forward who scored from close range to make to send the hosts into the break trailing 2-1.

In the second half Kentisbeare piled on the pressure and had chances to increase their lead, but the Fishermen’s defence, with Man of the Match Jack Prior outstanding at centre back, stood firm. With 10 minutes remaining Jack White chased a long clearance from Jones and delivered a cross to the near post which Nathan Newbery converted from six yards to level things up at 2-2.

As the final whistle drew near Beer were awarded a free-kick 35-yards out after Jack White was scythed down. Charlie Clode stepped up and rifled the ball home to earn the Fisherman a welcome three points.

This Saturday (January 30), the Beer first team host Chard Town Reserves in a Premier Division fixture. The match sponsor is The Dolphin Hotel, Beer.