After a couple of disappointing results recently it was good to see the Larks get back to winning ways at home against Barnstaple Town.

The match was played out in glorious sunshine, which seemed to lighten everyone's mood. The Larks came out in a determined fashion and rapidly made an impact on the game. Some decisive play down the left wing very early on gave Sam Allison a chance on goal which he took in fine style from close range. Luke Scott provided the cross that led to the goal. Other chances followed: Ben Horan came very close about 5 minutes later and Jonny Davoile also had a good shout on goal towards the end of the first half. The Larks' second goal was to be Jamie Lyons's, though. Following an assist from Sam Jamie unleashed a ferocious strike through the defender's legs from 12 yards. Chris Snoddy had little to do bar make a fine save towards the end of the first half when Barnstaple managed to break through the Larks' otherwise resilient midfield. Both Ben and Davs did very well to keep possession, James Crew kept the ball moving and Scotty was a constant threat going forward.

It was great to see the Larks dominating so well and playing such a fluent passing game. 2-0 at half time, and it could have been 3 or 4.

Barnstaple came out for the second half more inclined to make an impact on the game and they gave our defence a bit more to contend with, pegging the home side back and preventing our forward players doing any damage. Play was more evenly balanced, the Larks took their collective feet off the gas and Barnstaple eventually got the goal they sought. Snods (man of the match) had to make a couple of excellent saves to stop the opposition levelling the score. In response, Davs, who had a good game, very nearly scored our third five minutes from time but for most of the second half the Larks were in a more defensive mode than hitherto and Gary Thorne in particular saved the day more than once.

3 points to the home side and our excellent record in the league at Plain Ham continues, with two challenging home ties to come in the next few days. We play Taunton Town in the quarter finals of the Somerset Premier Cup on Wednesday and then meet Bitton at home in the league on Saturday. We should be confident of a result in both fixtures.