Cheddar progressed to the next round of the league cup after this win over an Odd Down side that topped Division 1 and were on the back of a 10 goal win last week, so were very confident when the arrived at Cheddar.

Cheddar started with the same line up that had began the game at Timsbury the previous week, but could count the fit again Tim Moody and also Rob Branch on the bench so a strong squad was available.

Cheddar started looking lively with the two 16 year olds, Sam Jones and Lewis Matthews, prominent in much that was good about Cheddar’s play. It was these two who combined down the cheddar left to create the chance for Matthews to cross in one of his trademark excellent crosses, which was met by top scorer Mike Kay who headed back across the keeper into the net. Cheddar should have settled at this point but in fact this led to the best spell for the visitors, which resulted in an equalising goal. Cheddar then lost Jack Tinton through an ankle injury and the reshuffle saw Paul Whittaker move back into the defence and Moody introduced to the midfield.

Cheddar did regain control, but were vulnerable to counter attack, and shots rained in on the Odd Down goal but to no major effect as the teams went into the break level – this was regarded as a bonus for the Cheddar side who had gone in two goals behind in four of the last five games!!

Cheddar were given words of reassurance by Tim Richens at the break, and they came out really positive and taking the game to Odd Down, asserting just which of the teams is the Premier Division team and who was the Division One side.

After creating a couple more chances they eventually took the lead when Sam Jones scored a superb individual goal that gave the keeper no chance, within two minutes it was 3-1 when Matthews crossed another superb ball into the area to be met by Tim Moody to head home.

Cheddar lost concentration briefly and Odd Down took advantage by pulling a goal back to make it potentially a nervy last few minutes. But then Tom Manning took over and after being crudely hacked down when through on goal, he exacted revenge by taking the free kick and slotting it over the wall to give the keeper no chance and effectively settle the game.

Cheddar did create, and miss, several more chances, which would have made the scoreline embarrassing to the visitors, which their efforts did not deserve. However a 4-2 win in the cup is always a good achievement and one that reflects the potential that this exciting Cheddar side have.

A harder game is in line next week when Cheddar travel to league champions, Burnham United, hoping to gain their first victory over them for many years.