The Peacocks extended their undefeated Evo-Stik League run to 17 games after beating Bishops Cleeve 4-0 at a chilly Viridor Stadium this afternoon (3rd February).
On another heavy pitch, Town did the necessary against the division’s bottom side who rarely threatened. The hosts took the lead after 18 minutes when Matt Wright looped a header over Cleeve keeper Sam Gilder after Ryan Brett’s corner had been flicked up.
Wright was also involved in Town’s second goal eight minutes before half time, being pulled down by Ben Tunnicliff to earn a penalty which Dan Sullivan comfortably despatched. The second half was only two minutes in when the Peacocks were awarded another spot kick when Wright was again hauled down and Sullivan duly scored his second and Town’s third of the afternoon.
Pierce Mitchell completed the scoring after 71 minutes, taking Matt Buse’s pass in his stride before steering home past Gilder. Further chances for Town came either side of the final goal as they eased to victory over the visitors who finished the game with ten men after Joe Bates was sent off three minutes from time. The win keeps Town eight points clear at the top of the table as they hope to keep the momentum going when they go to Paulton Rovers on Tuesday evening.
Reaction | Manager Leigh Robinson commented: “A convincing win on another heavy pitch. I think everyone involved in non-league football right now is fed up of the wet weather and just want the pitches to start drying out. We were functional without being particularly flamboyant in the first half today but what pleased me most is how we kept our foot on the pedal straight after half time whereas earlier in the season we often started the second period really badly and let teams back in the game. Second half attacking the slightly drier top end we played some good football and created a lot of chances. A good week with two home wins, plenty of goals, two good crowds and we now move on to two testing away games next week.”