Larks ascend to Cup Semi! Larks 1-0 Wellington AFC

Larks took another step towards the Somerset Premier Cup Final last night, with a dramatic 89th winner from Harvey Pritchard.

In a game of few clearcut chances, neither side managed to gain much momentum in the first half. It was Larks midfielder Matt Bowman who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute, as he headed wide from close range.

It was much the same in the second half, as the home side had the lion’s share of possession but found shots on goal hard to come by. Larkhall brought on attacking subs including Alex Lambert and Archie Ferris, but it was Wellington who almost took a shock lead as Ryan Brereton’s superb long range volley smacked against Nasta’s crossbar late in the second half. This seemed enough to waken the Larks, with Harvey Pritchard weaving in and out of challenges inside the box, before slotting home to snatch the win and seal a place in the Somerset Premier Cup semi finals against Taunton Town.

After the game, Larkhall manager Ollie Price was pleased that his team passed a potential cup banana-skin. “We got the job done and it was a good workout. It was also pleasing to get minutes into some players who needed it”. One of those players was former Bristol Rovers scholar Andreas Smolka. The Swedish 20 year old showed encouraging signs that he could be a useful attacking option for the rest of the season. The likes of ex-Bath City midfielder Ethan Cannings and 17 year old Keegan Morgan also showed signs of promise.

A home tie against Taunton Town in the semi finals will require a very different level of performance from Larkhall Athletic if they’re to challenge the National League South side.

Ollie Price added “The semi final will be another stern test for my young team against a strong Taunton Town, but one we will all be relishing. For now, and more importantly, our attention will be on the next few league games”.

Up the Larks

Alex Goss / Dad FC

Photos below:

Larkhall Athletic v Wellington AFC on 13 Mar 2024 by Jeremy Richards – Google Photos