Frome Town claimed a massive victory on the road, with a hard-fought victory over Poole Town in a scrappy encounter.
In a game that lacked real quality, Albie Hopkins stepped up and provided a much needed spark in the match, producing a moment of brilliance from 45 yards out, to seal the win for the Robins.
The result drags the Dolphins into the relegation zone, whilst the BA11 side still remain in 21st—though just four points from safety now
The first half was far from a spectacle, with a measly one shot amassed between both sides combined. That came through eventual match-winner Albie Hopkins, who did well to curl an effort around a Poole defender, in the 34th minute, but he sent his strike narrowly wide of the right-hand post.
The only other notable highlight of the opening half arrived in the sixth minute, when the hosts attempted to work the ball forward, but the pass was intercepted by none other than the referee, a moment that rather summed up the first half.
Fortunately for those watching, the second half delivered a bit more action. Hopkins looked the most dangerous player on the pitch and almost broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when he worked the ball inside before he scuffed a right footed shot just wide of the post.
Ten minutes later, Rex Mannings’ relentless pressing forced a mistake amongst the hosts backline. He pounced on the loose ball after blocking the clearance and raced through. With the form he’s in, you would have put your house on him to score, but he dragged his shot off target.
The home side then responded with their first shot on target of the game as Antonio Diaz found space down the left, but Kyle Phillips produced a comfortable save.
Five minutes later, a long ball forward caused goalkeeper Cameron Plain to rush a long way out for the ball, his headed clearance lacked conviction, allowing Mannings to battle for possession. He knocked the ball free and Hopkins seized possession, and with the keeper stranded, found the back of the net from some 45 yards out, sending the away fans into raptures.
The home side pushed for an equaliser but Frome defended well, restricting the hosts to tame efforts from distance which posed little threat to Phillips goal. Substitute Rafa Ramos did have a late chance in the 89th minute, but he dragged his effort wide of the left hand post.
Even though the majority of the affair was comfortable for the away side, (although it may not have felt like it!) they endured a couple of tense moments in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Ezio Touray went down in the box, but the referee waved play on- the correct decision, before moments later, Touray found himself through on goal, only for captain Sam Teale to make a heroic block that could prove vital in Frome’s fight for survival.
With three valuable points secured, the Robins now turn their attention away from league action as they prepare for Somerset Cup duty against Mendip Broadwalk, where they will look to book their place in the semi finals of the competition.
Match report and live updates by Harrison Richards
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