Winscombe 2

Cheddar 2

Just two victories from their last seven league games is hardly title-challenging material, but Cheddar were up against neighbours Winscombe, who had lost five of their last six games, so an interesting derby was on the cards.

This midweek game had controversy in the opening 20 seconds when Sam King connected with Neil Andow in the penalty area, but nothing was given by the referee.

On six minutes, the same player clipped Andow again and, on this occasion, a penalty was awarded. From the resulting spot-kick, Andow's low effort was well saved by James Milligan.

Cheddar took the lead with a quality strike when Chris Gardner did well with a cross into the penalty area where Jones sent a magnificent volley from 16 yards into the roof of the net.

The goal stunned Winscombe and Cheddar could easily have added to their tally as Lewis Matthews, in the space of a minute, saw a shot crash against the crossbar and a second effort flew inches over.

Mike Edmunds did find the back of the Winscombe net with a header, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside. The visitors were denied a second goal once again on 41 minutes after King and Gardner linked up down the right and King's cross was slammed against the base of the near post by Edmunds.

Winscombe got themselves back on level terms on 43 minutes when Mark Andow made space down the left but, with no team-mates in the penalty area, he lifted the ball over Mulligan and into the far corner of the net.

Cheddar regained the lead on 55 minutes when a Mike Kay run and cross was side-footed home by Jones.

Winscombe equalised once again on 62 minutes after Mark Andow was body-checked by Paul Whittaker on the edge of the penalty area. Kevin Pearce sent a superb free-kick around the five-man wall and into the net.

Gardner went close to regaining the lead for Cheddar with a terrific shot from 20 yards that Lawrence Jenkins did well to claw to safety.

Winscombe had their chances to steal the points late on, with Neil Andow on three occasions going close. The nearest was a superb effort on the turn that hit the far post and rolled to safety.

Winscombe will be happier with the point; as for Cheddar they need to get back to winning ways quickly if they are to re-establish themselves as title contenders.

Merv's merit marks: Winscombe – L Jenkins 6, M Wright 6, B Hooper 6, A Norris 8, J Bruton 7, A Pearson 7, E Day 7, T Stoves 8, N Andow 7, K Pearce 7, M Andow 8.

Cheddar – J Milligan 7, S King 7, T Parsons 7, P Whittaker 6, J Underhill 7, M Kay 7, C Gardner 8, T Manning 7, A Jones 8, M Edmunds 7, L Matthews 7.