Bishops Lydeard 1-2 Frome

Frome tasted victory in the Second Round of the Somerset Cup with a hard-fought win against Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday evening.

Fast starts in both halves saw the Robins establish a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Jon Davies and Rex Mannings, but a goal for the home side midway through the second half meant the closing stages were a nervy affair.

An impressive opening from the Robins was rewarded with the first goal of the night. Jake Jackson was brought down in the penalty area at the end of a flowing team move, and Davies stepped up to confidently slot home from 12 yards.

The home side came back into the game following after beginning tentatively, forcing Seth Locke into two good saves with the interval approaching.

Half-time substitute Mannings scored what turned out to be the decisive goal just minutes into the second period. The forward stood up his marker on the right-hand touchline before cutting inside and unleashing a left-footed strike that left the home ‘keeper with no chance.

Despite controlling possession for long periods, the Robins’ lead was halved just after the hour mark when a Bishops Lydeard counter-attack ended with striker Ryder placing a header into the corner of the net beyond Locke.

Jack Witcombe and James Ollis both passed up presentable chances to re-establish the two-goal advantage, but it was ultimately Frome who progressed to the Third Round of the competition.

We are back in action on Saturday as they head to AFC Totton in the FA Trophy.