Following on from their midweek disappointment, Frome Town bounced back with an excellent 2-1 win at Banbury Utd thanks to goals from Dan Cleverley and Corby Moore after Ricky Johnson had given the hosts a half time lead.
Frome’s squad was without the services of Nathan Summers and Marcus Mapstone resumed at centre half alongside Connor Roberts, with Kris Miller and Clayton Green filling in the fullback slots. Mitchell Page took his place on the bench as he returned from the ankle injury sustained against Cinderford
After an early bright start from Frome, Dan Cleverley saw his shot go just wide from outside, the box and with Jake Jackson hit a shot into the body of Jack Harding, and then just shooting wide after a move with Corby Moore, it was very encouraging.
However, Banbury soon settled to their task and Connor Roberts was forced to make a great covering tackle in the 15th, and it became apparent that Banbury’s tactic was to hit long balls into the box aiming for the tall Johnson, and after a few attempts, it paid off as Johnson latched onto one and scored with a shot into the roof of the net, giving Kyle Phillips no chance.
Phillips had to be on his toes a few minutes later to come out of his area and kick clear, and after another quick Banbury break had just been dealt with, it was clear that their tails were up and they were having the better of the game, and Kris Miller was forced to make a very good late clearance as the hosts looked to extend their lead.
However, Frome weathered the storm and Dan Cleverley just headed a Darren Jefferies cross just wide of the post before Banbury had the last chance of the half as Zac McEachran attempted to chip Phillips with an effort that landed on the roof of the net.
Banbury continued to look positive at the start of the second half and three quick attacks in a few minutes carved open the Frome defence, but somehow the away goal survived and, against the run of play, Frome equalised in the 55th minute as captain Dan Cleverley nodded home a Jon Davies corner at the near post.
Banbury’s Johnson should really have out the hosts in front in the 62nd as he somehow contrived to miss from a yard out, but with Frome starting to look better as the game went on, in the 69th minute, great work by Davies on the right followed by an excellent cross allowed Corby Moore to head home for his first goal since rejoining the Club this season.
Banbury weren’t finished though, and they went all out for the equaliser, with numerous dangerous attacks, free kicks and corners, and indeed they had the ball in the net just before the end only to have it disallowed for a push on Phillips, and resolute defending enabled Frome to overcome their habit of letting in late goals and keep Banbury at bay until the final whistle.
Corby Moore was awarded the H&B Tyres Man of the Match award for an excellent match, and on the day there were plenty of candidates for the award in a good all round, team performance, helped no doubt by the excellent officials who let the game flow whenever they could.
Frome Scorers: Cleverley (55), Moore (69)
Banbury Scorers: Johnson (21) Star Man: Corby Moore.
