Somerset County Premier

Fry Club 1, Berrow 0

A DEPLETED Berrow slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at league leaders Fry Club.

It was a familiar story for Berrow as a side debilitated by injuries, unavailability and lastminute cry-offs travelled to the in-form leaders.

With so many players unavailable, another of the A team’s young players, Will Lonsdale, was promoted to the first team, and with Simon Peto and Tom Yates in the line-up Berrow’s squad had a youthful look about it.

You could have excused them if they had laid down and handed Fry a routine victory, especially after their nightmare midweek derby with Bridgwater Res, but with a solid game plan and an abundance of grit Berrow proved more than a match for their hosts.

As the first half wore on Berrow applied pressure on the break and were unfortunate not to take the lead through Dave Keirle.

Nick Slack swept up well and was only called into action once to save a free kick.

The second half saw Fry with a lot of the ball, but Berrow defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the break.

The hosts took the lead with 25 minutes left as Berrow failed to clear their lines and paid the price as the lively home striker pounced from close range.

Berrow’s response was excellent as they dusted theirselves off and sought an equaliser which, despite the best efforts of Peto, Scott Lismore and Pete John, eluded them.

It again proved that Berrow have the ability to compete with any team in the league with a squad boasting plenty of quality and exciting young talent.

With commitment they are more than capable of challenging for the title, but the club has used more players than ever this season and has failed to name the same starting XI in consecutive matches all season.

Berrow’s man of the match was Keirle.