FOOTBALL: Yashwa's goal can't help Town (From Witney Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Yashwa's goal can't help Town

2:48pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport

Striker Yashwa Romeo, who signed from Abingdon United on Friday, scored on his debut for Witney Town, but that could not prevent them losing 3-2 at home to fellow Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division high-fliers Slimbridge on Saturday.

It was a third successive defeat for Witney, who slipped to fourth in the table as a result.

Mark Janes went close for Witney early on, while at the other end, keeper Jamie Zoldan denied Marvyn Roberts.

However, Zoldan could do nothing when Roberts smas-hed in Slimbridge’s opener on 19 minutes.

Janes should have levelled before the break, but shot straight at keeper Dave Evans who turned his well-struck around a post.

Two minutes into the second half, Witney went 2-0 down when Roberts scored his second with a tidy finish.

And the home side’s misery increased when Shaun Bennett fired in Slimbridge’s third goal.

Witney didn’t let their heads drop and pulled a goal back when Romeo, on as substitute, cut the deficit in the 65th minute with an excellent header.

Conor McDonagh nearly got a second goal back for Witney, but his shot was blocked on the line And it got better for the hosts when another substitute, Ryan Brooks grabbed Witney’s second goal with two minutes to go, which set up a tense finale.

Witney threw everyone forward, but the visitors held on for victory.

This Saturday, Witney travel to Headington Amateurs in the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup (1.30pm). Clanfield went down to a 3-2 defeat at Oxfordshire rivals Hook Norton in Division 1 West.

Ben Tew did the damage for Hook Norton, with Sam Grant completing their tally.

Ben Williams fired home a double in reply for visitors Clanfield.