With both Millwey Rise teams struggling to fulfil their numbers through injury and late withdrawals the ensuing results were better than what perhaps was expected, writes Dick Sturch.

The first team visited Luso Chard and came away 3-2 winners to retain their runner-up position in Division One of the Perry Street League.

The game itself was not particularly attractive and Millwey found themselves facing a one goal deficit at half-time.

The second half saw a recovery when Shane Featherstone scored their first goal from the penalty spot followed by a Carl German header from a well placed free-kick. Mark Pike rounded off the scoring for the visitors, but not to be outdone, Luso scored a second to put the game on tenterhooks until the final whistle. In Millwey`s defence Danny Larcombe had a great game, breaking up many of the home side`s attacks. It was good to see Joel Seaward playing a full 90 minutes after his recent back injury. Hopefully, next week many of the absentees will be available to strengthen the team.

Millwey Reserves had a swift return game with Merriott Dynamos after going down 7-0 away to them the previous week.

Unfortunately, they found themselves one goal behind within 30 seconds of the kick off. The score remained the same until half-time. After the break, despite defending valiantly, the visitors eventually found gaps in the home side’s defence on which they capitalised a further three times making the final score 4-0 to Merriott. For Millwey, Wayne Jenkins worked hard to stem the tide while up front Nick Taylor never gave up trying to get on the score sheet.

This Saturday (March 14), the clubs first team travel to Pymore whilst the second team host Chard Rangers at Cloakham Lawns. Both games start at 2.30pm.