Frome Town returned to winning ways in style, as they defeated Winchester City in their first game of 2025.
Despite the fact its been three weeks since their last game due to the weather postponements, the performance certainly didn’t disappoint, as strikes from Rex Mannings, Zak Drew and Joe O’Loughlin, ensured the Robins would return to Somerset with all three points.
That makes it four wins out of their last five games, meaning the BA11 side are now the most in-form side in the Southern Premier League.
However despite the result, it was a poor start to the game, as Tommy Wright should have had the Citizens up six minutes in, but his point blank header somehow glanced off of the inside of the post and into Kyle Phillips hands.
Luckily for the hosts they wouldn’t rue that missed chance for long, as IK Hill struck a brilliant free-kick into the top corner three minutes later, to put the home side a goal to the good.
Despite the set-back, Frome responded instantly, after a brilliant bit of footwork in the middle from Mannings, he unleashed a powerful effort, that looked out of pure frustration and annoyance after the opener, that sailed off the post and in to draw the sides level.
After that the away side found their groove and five minutes later took the lead following a corner which Archie Ferris flicked goal bound, with the effort being finished off by Drew, to turn the game on it’s head.
After that the travellers controlled the majority of the first half, with countless chances, although despite the dominance, a defensive mix-up in 27th minute nearly let Winchester back into the game, but Wright couldn’t convert after taking the ball around Phillips.
Mannings then had a couple of chances to extend the lead, but he blasted both over, the first came in the 42nd minute after he fired a first time effort over, after receiving the ball from Drew, the goalscorer then fired a first time volley just the other side of the crossbar.
Unfortunately, after a solid opening 45, Drew had to depart due to an injury, Curtis Hutson replaced him, but instantly caused problems for the Winchester backline picking up where Drew left off from.
The start of the second half did see the Citizens come out strong, as in the 60th minute Wright’s powerful strike from the edge of the box, was comfortably held by Phillips.
Just four minutes later, Phillips produced an outstanding save to deny Wright again, flicking his header past the post to keep Frome ahead.
After that game, things appeared to settle down and Frome got on-top again, and all but secured the win in the 86th minute after a pull back, O’Loughlin fired home to secure his first goal of the season and Frome’s fifth win of the campaign.
Next up is a midweek trip to title challengers AFC Totton, and once again we will need your support to be able to get over the line.
Match Report and live updates by Harrison Richards
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Winchester City 1 Frome Town 3
It's hard not to throw a lot of superlatives at this performance.
Some of the football we played today was outstanding. Que for example, our third goal: We break quickly from defence into attack - Albie received the ball out wide, he looked up, and placed a delicious ball that skimmed diagonally cross the 3G pitch, and through the six yard box. I hadn't seen Joe O' Laughlin running in on the far side of the penalty box, fortunately, neither had the Winchester defenders. Joe's first time strike back across the goalkeeper was sublime. What a goal! Albie's ability to see that pass, and execute it with such panache, capped an outstanding performance …