Collegians fail to build on promising start

Frome Collegians 2 Street Reserves 4

Frome Collegians were unable to sustain their excellent start as they eventually fell to defeat against a strong Street side.

Stand-in skipper Brian Sprake opened the scoring for Collegians after eight minutes when he burst into the box to seize on a through ball before calmly finishing first time with the outside of his foot.

Further chances came as Rustell and Hartley picked up loose balls and ran at the defence but Collegians were unable to build on this lead and Street equalised midway through the half. The home side looked set to clear the ball following a corner but an attempt was blocked and it fell kindly for Street.

Collegians were back in front within five minutes when an excellent passage of play ended with Luke Oakes finding the corner of the net with a calm finish.

With Street becoming more of a threat, the sides went in level at the break as poor marking in the penalty area saw the visiting forward able to volley home unchallenged from six yards.

Five minutes into the second half, Street took the lead when a long ball was reached before it went out. The ball was pulled back and the chance was converted at the second attempt.

Oakes had a chance to equalise but his long-range free-kick was saved by the keeper and the playing surface became ever more difficult as the half progressed.

Street appeared to draw on greater resolve and strength as they adapted better to the worsening conditions. Buckley made an excellent save when a forward ran free into the box but he was beaten again to make it 4-2.

Despite Collegians showing plenty of determination, it was Street who looked more likely to add to the score in the closing stages.

On Saturday, Collegians travel to Cleeve West Town (2.30pm).