Robin Hood 2 Somerset Trojans 0

Robin Hood maintained their perfect start to the Premier Division season with a hard-fought victory over Somerset Trojans at Goose Gosling Field today.

First-half goals from Aaron Nelson and Jaylon Bather secured the points but it could have been a much more nervy finish had Tevahn Tyrell, making his Trojans debut against his former side, not missed a penalty on the hour mark with the visiting side in the ascendancy.

Despite conceding certain aspects of their game need improving, Hood head coach John Barry Nusum had no qualms about their superb start to the new campaign.

“We got the goals that we needed and held on to get the victory,” he said. “They have a lot of pace and caught us out a few times, but we kept the clean sheet, got the three points and made it three wins from three.

“We talk about creating a winning habit every year and as long as we keep winning, the squad is happy.

“There are still a few things we can work on still as a squad, but to have those three wins, I can’t really complain with the start of the season.”

Trojans were ultimately made to rue their tentative start to the match in allowing Hood to take a two-goal lead but head coach Danvers Seymour Jr refused to be overly harsh on his side, who themselves had a perfect record heading into yesterday’s encounter.

“We are improving every week and that’s what I’m looking for,” he said. “Even though we lost, I’m satisfied with the players because we appear to be going from strength to strength.

“I felt like we were second to every ball in the first half but after half-time we responded strongly and managed to put them on the back foot a lot more.

“Overall, I’m pleased. It’s a young team and this season has been pleasing so far. Hopefully, we continue to improve as a squad and build on what we’ve already done.”

Hood broke the deadlock after six minutes after Nelson got free down the right-hand side and squared for Tomiko Goater. His shot was parried by Trojans goalkeeper Dequan Crockwell, who could only watch as the ball fell kindly back to Nelson to slot home.

Crockwell had to be alert in the 25th minute to tip over a London Steede strike from the edge of the area, but there was nothing he could do 11 minutes later when the home side doubled their advantage.

An inviting, inswinging Justin Corday free kick from the right-hand side was met by Bather, whose towering header came crashing back off the crossbar for the centre half to fire in the rebound.

Trojans responded strongly as the half wore on, with Khiari Sharrieff-Hayward heading narrowly wide before Tyrell spurned a good chance, firing tamely at Jahquil Hill after outmuscling Liam Evans to win a ball over the top of the Hood defence.

There was a lull in action until the hour mark when the match suddenly sparked back into life. First, Jeze Butterfield forced Hill into a smart, low save before Tyrell again gave Evans a problem, beating him to another ball over the top, with the Hood defender bundling the striker to the ground inside the area.

Referee Lloyd Christopher pointed to the spot, but Tyrell could not capitalise as his effort from 12 yards struck the outside of the post.

The only other notable action of the half came with full time looming, as Hood substitute Antwan Russell went down in the area after a clash with Trevin Ming, but Christopher waved away the protests.

SCORERS

Robin Hood: Nelson 6, Bather 36

TEAMS

Robin Hood (4-2-1-3): J Hill — T Bean, L Evans, J Bather, K Knights — L Steede, P Parsons — J Corday — T Goater (sub: A Russell, 80min), A Nelson (sub: C Ricca, 90), E Outerbridge (sub: J Bell, 46). Substitutes not used: J Nusum, J Morrissey. Booked: Hill.

Somerset Trojans (4-4-1-1): D Crockwell — S Tatem (sub: M Robinson, 72), M Turner, T Ming, M Henschke’ — K Sharrieff-Hayward, C Durham, Jaz Ratteray-Smith, J Butterfield — Jaden Ratteray-Smith (sub: N Smith, 65) — T Tyrell. Substitutes not used: H Butterfield, R Seaman, L Burgess, J Bean, A Albouy-Lovell. Booked: Turner, Tyrell, Ming.

Referee: L Christopher.