Four goals, including a seventh of the season for Ryan Bath, secured three valuable points for The Robins against high-flying Swindon Supermarine.
On a day when most would have been happy with a scrappy draw, or delighted by an undeserved single goal victory, the sheer unpredictability of the Southern League was highlighted again as Frome travelled to The Webbswood Stadium.
Manager Danny Greaves made some brave changes, with Rickie Scott recalled to the side and starting places for Tom Mehew and TJ Davies, and Frome started in positive style taking the game to their hosts.
In the first 3 minutes both Ollie Knowles and Mehew had shots off target and the first goal game in the 12th when a great cross field ball from Connor Roberts found Rickie Scott in space on the left side and he drove the ball low across the area for Ryan Bath to score.
Only a minute later, great work by TJ saw him beat 2 defenders and deliver a cross inches over the head of the unmarked Scott. Swindon were creating little and being comfortably dealt with by the Frome back line.
Frome broke away in the 38th with TJ Davies, having a clear 1v1 with the goalkeeper who came out and handled outside the area, resulting in an inevitable red card and an outfield player forced to take his place in goal, although the free kick came to nothing and the half ended 0-1.
There are never any guarantees playing against 10 men and Swindon started the second half brightly as they tried to get back in the game without really troubling the Frome defence.
Rex Mannings replaced Kris Miller and had an immediate impact when he worked his way to the byline and played in a low cross, which Bath cleverly back healed to Mehew for Frome’s second goal.
The third came from a free kick when Davis was fouled on the edge of the area and Ollie Knowles drove low and hard into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
After the ‘keeper made an impressive save from Teale, Dan Whitley replaced Mehew and won a corner. From the resulting half clearance Knowles crossed to the far post for Mapstone to head in Frome’s 4th goal.
It was an impressive performance from start to finish, delighting the travelling support and setting a firm foundation to push forward in our survival bid.
Tom Mehew was chosen as man of the match with a strong performance although there are many notable performances.
