Puritans move up to fourth after completing double

The Puritans completed the double over pointless Bashley ahead of Tuesday’s Division One South & West trip to Taunton Town.

United took an eighth minute lead from a penalty after Ricky Johnson was brought down by keeper Kieran Greene and the top scorer converted the ensuing spot-kick.

Despite the early goal there was little between the sides before Felipe Barcelos, making his first start, shot just over the bar. United missed a chance to double their advantage when Barcelos was bundled over by Aaron Dunne in the area but this time Johnson’s spot-kick was saved by Greene low down to his left.

Dunne was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity to add to the basement boys’ woes. Three minutes before halftime United grabbed a second goal when Callum White crossed for the incoming George Nash to strike the ball home from 12 yards.

After the restart Mark Bell shot wide from the edge of the area and moments later Johnson was put through but hit the outside of the stanchion.

A third goal finally arrived in the 68th minute from United’s third penalty of the game. White was fouled in the area and Bell converted the ensuing spot-kick.

Five minutes later it was 4-0 when Bell’s cross was headed on by Barcelos for Browne to beat Greene from ten yards. Three minutes later United completed the scoring when Leam Howards got the better of Greene in a one-on-one to slot the ball past the keeper from 12 yards.