Clevedon United 4, Biddestone 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Clevedon United 4, Biddestone 1

TIREDNESS was the main reason given by boss Graham Learmonth after Biddestone's first defeat under his stewardship on Saturday.

The Wiltshire side were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline at Clevedon United with Learmonth feeling the game was "one too far" for his players. Indeed, it was game 11 for Biddestone, double their opponents total.

Learmonth did admit, however, that Clevedon ran out deserved winners, although two late injury goals put a shine on the scoreline.

Clevedon gave their tired opponents the rudest of wake up calls with a fifth minute sucker punch before Biddestone sprung to life, equalising on 25 minutes when Simon Gray finished off a ball by Luke Gullick.

Biddestone came out at half time and should have taken the lead twice.

Firstly Gray's shot was saved by the Clevedon goalkeeper as far Joe O'Chuko but the Nigerian's effort was cleared by the defender from underneath his own bar.

Moments later Tim Tasker rose highest from a corner and headed across the six-yard box but there was no final touch.

But it was Clevedon that stole all three points with a goal on 70 minutes and two further injury time goals as Biddestone pushed forward.

"If we had gone in front we could have held on," said Learmonth.

"It was their first home game and they showed their experience."

Biddestone next play Clyst Rovers away on Saturday and have full team to chose from.

They could even have boosted their side by signing Will Halliwell from Hellenic League Division One West side Malmesbury Victoria.

Learmonth confirmed a seven-day approach had been made to speak to the former Southampton Youth player who Learmonth took to Malmesbury during his stint as manager there.

Learmonth said he would "love" to have the left-sided midfielder in his squad: "The left side is something we are short on at the moment. He's a good lad and someone who is good to have around."