Zebras Claim Derby Spoils - Sherborne Town vs. Gillingham Town

Perfect football weather in Dorest

On Good Friday last year I watched my first game in The Western League which was Gillingham Town hosting Sherborne Town and on Good Friday this year I went to watch the reverse fixture. For the first fixture it was Gillingham who needed the points to pull away from the bottom of the table and this time round it was Sherborne who wanted to get themselves towards mid table. Gillingham won 3-1 last year and they were unbeaten in the last three matches against Sherborne. Today's host won in midweek against Hallen and were looking to build on a three game unbeaten run.

Kick off at The Terrace Playing Fields

Gillingham create a decent opening in the early stages and it takes a last ditch tackle to stop a shot on goal. They come closer when the winger beats the full back on the byline and he is able to find his team mate who then blasts the ball well over the bar. Sherborne's first chance comes after a great passing move and the Gillingham keeper makes a good low save. The hosts take the lead as the forward hammers in a half volley when he was found by a good pull back from the winger. Gillingham come close to creating a decent chance to equalise but the Sherborne defender gets a vital touch to take the ball away from the attacker. The Gillingham keeper then has to make another good save to tip over a dipping shot from the edge of the box. From the resulting corner a Gillingham player heads the ball just over the bar.

Sherborne pressure the Gillingham defence

At the start of the second half Gillingham play a brilliant free kick into the box which somehow manages to elude everyone. Gillingham are now having a lot of the ball but they fail to create any clear cut chances. Sherborne then double their advantage as the first shot in the area is blocked but the second effort flies into the back of the net to make it two nil. Gillingham continue to press after the second goal and a shot from the edge of the area is hit straight at the goalie. Their next chance comes following a break and results in a header which requires a smart save. Gillingham are gifted a way back into the game as the Sherborne keeper inexplicably drops the ball and the loose ball is slotted home. In the closing stages Gillingham come close to a leveller as the forward powers his way through but the keeper redeems himself with a comfortable save.

Side on view of the stand

Despite being in Devon, it is relatively easy to get to Sherborne from London. Direct trains depart from Waterloo and the journey takes just over two hours. Sherborne itself is a beautiful town with an abbey and the ruins of castle all within walking distance of the station. At the top of the high street is The George which had a couple of ales on and has a fantastic interior. Then just around the corner from the abbey is The Digby Tap which is a brilliant pub and had a good selection of ales. The Terrace Playing fields is about a fifteen minute walk out of the town. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and I can strongly recommend trying The Sherborne Whopper which is an absolute steal at just £3.

Gillingham attack in the first half with the clubhouse in the background