Cleeve surprised many people by claiming their first point of the season away to Salisbury at the end of September and gave themselves a chance at creating another surprise when they took the lead in the first half.
After being camped in their own half for much of the opening 20 minutes Cleeve managed to break with Jack Watts beating 5 or 6 Salisbury players (with a bit of help from the pitch) before unleashing a shot that was parried to the unmarked Ieaun Crowe who converted.
Salisbury were still on top but could not find a equaliser before halftime and the pressure of a promotion challenge looked to be getting to them as they berated the officials at half time.
However, Salisbury were just as strong in the second half as in the first but this time started to find their cutting edge after numerous missed chances in the first.
Just before the hour mark Salisbury equalised getting the goal that their pressure deserved when Owen Howe saw his shot parried straight back at him for an easy finish much to the delight of the sizeable contingent of away fans.
The visitors 2nd came in slightly fortuitous circumstances as a soft penalty was awarded and George Colson stepped up to give Salisbury a deserved lead.
Howe completed the win with his 2nd goal 6 minutes from time to leave Cleeve pondering what could have been.
The result sees Cleeve now 8 points adrift at the bottom with a game in hand on second bottom Barnstaple who drew 1-1 with Winchester.
Cleeve’s next match is away at local rivals Shortwood who lost 5-1 at Swindon Supermarine.
Photo Credit: Glenn Watts
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
16. | Mangotsfield United | 42 | 41 |
17. | Shortwood United | 42 | 40 |
18. | North Leigh | 42 | 38 |
19. | Paulton Rovers | 42 | 37 |
20. | Slimbridge | 42 | 35 |
21. | Barnstaple Town | 42 | 29 |
22. | Bishops Cleeve | 42 | 24 |