Needing a win to continue their late quest to retain their Western Counties Floodlight Youth League Championship, the Seasiders took some time to break down a strong Brislington side, but once they got their noses in front they never looked back.

Clevedon almost made the perfect start when Joe Smith went clear down the left and cut in to cross but Louie Bowen’s shot was kept out by keeper Frankie Lewton’s legs. The game settled into a midfield battle until on 22 minutes Jack Richards turned and crossed from the left, but Joe Smith’s shot went just wide.

Ethan Rosenior up for a corner could only head straight to Lewton and then Mikey Vaughan saw the keeper tip his free-kick over. A long Rosenior clearance put Richards clear, but Lewton was quickly out to clear and saw Brislington break but they were unable to take advantage.

Just before half time Corey Stock’s free-kick was headed down in the box but Zach Ford was alert to grab the loose ball. Frome the clearance Clevedon advanced upfield and chose the perfect time to break the deadlock when Sam Ledward picked out Joe Smith to work his way into the area and beat two defenders before shooting past Lewton to put Clevedon 1-0 up at half time.

Clevedon started the second half looking to increase their lead. A good combination between Joe Smith, Richards and Bowen saw the ball played into Ledward who won a corner which was headed just over. Then ten minutes into the half the lead was doubled when a ball into the box fell nicely for Bowen who turned and shot into the roof of the net.

Clevedon continued pressing. Another good through ball saw Lewton out quickly, but Joe Smith got there first and lifted his shot just over the keeper and the bar. Then on 63 minutes Joe Smith found himself in the clear again but Lewton blocked the shot with his legs and when Richards picked up another long Rosenior clearance he dragged his shot just wide.

There was danger for Clevedon when Ford saved Stock’s free-kick into the box but just after 79 minutes Stock blotted his copy book when he picked up two yellow cards in the same incident.
Clevedon took immediate advantage by increasing their lead when Joe Smith battled to win the ball in the box and turn and fire past Lewton to make it 3-0.

With the game now safe Clevedon concentrated on breaking up the game making use of all their substitutes to round off a comfortable 3-0 win and hold on to a three point lead at the top of the league after rivals Hallen also won on the night.

The last games see Hallen play on Monday night with Clevedon travelling to Weston-super-Mare a week on Monday, with the advantage of knowing whether they have already won the league if Hallen lose or whether they need a point at Weston to guarantee the title.

Clevedon Town Under 18s Line-up:

1. Zach Ford
2. Mason Ball (c)
3. Sam Ledward
4. Jay O’Connell
5. Ethan Rosenior
6. Isaac Comerford
7. Oli Risdale
8. Louie Bowen - Goal on 55 minutes
9. Joe Smith - Goals on 44 and 80 minutes
10. Mikey Vaughan
11. Jack Richards

12. Aletor Odigie replaced Oli Risdale on 57 minutes.
15. Zach Purnell replaced Jay O’Connell on 87 minutes
16. George Bellis replaced Mikey Vaughan on 70 minutes
17. Oscar Smith replaced Jack Richards on 81 minutes
18. Jayden Russell replaced Mason Ball on 90 + 4 minutes