WESSEX LEAGUE

Blackfield and Langley 1, Warminster Town 3

WARMINSTER profited from some quick thinking on Saturday as they came from a goal down to beat hosts Blackfield and Langley.

Trailing 1-0 after 35 minutes, full back Kevin Sparey released Tom Welch with a quick throw-in, and his cross was smashed home by striker Dave Watkins.

The Blackfield coaching staff complained the throw was taken too quickly, but the equalising goal was correctly allowed to stand.

Warminster boss Peter Russell explained: "They were not too happy but it was one of the Blackfield guys that threw the ball back.

"It's something all teams have to be aware of these days. You see it in the Premiership where they use several balls - the days of waiting for one ball to come back from the crowd are long gone.

"It's definitely something you have to think about. I don't want my team to be caught out in the same way."

Warminster were fortunate to reach the interval on level terms after a sloppy first half performance which saw them on the back foot.

Some stern words from Russell during the break certainly did the trick as the Weymouth Street outfit took control in the second period.

Welch fired the visitors in front with a superb curling free kick which gave the Blackfield goalkeeper no chance.

The home side then had a player sent off, but this only served to fire them up and Warminster had to withstand a spell of pressure.

Watkins settled any nerves with another clinical finish from Tom Foord's direct run and cross.

It was Watkins' seventh strike of the season, but Russell believes there is more to come from his talisman.

He said: "You can't argue with his record, but if he'd taken half the chances he creates for himself he would be the leading scorer in the league by miles.

"Even though he got the equaliser I told Dave to give me more on Saturday. When he's on form he can be a handful for any defence.

"To be fair to him he upped his work rate in the second half and helped us to a comfortable win."

Reserve team goalkeeper Mark Coxon-Tenty impressed between the posts against Blackfield.

However, he is likely to be replaced by first choice gloveman Justin Shuttlewood for tomorrow's visit of Petersfield Town.

Left winger Louis Sparey is the only injury doubt for Warminster.