Errea Somerset County League Premier Division: Taunton Blackbrook 1, Mangotsfield United Res 0.

BLACKBROOK gained revenge for their 7-1 League Cup defeat at the hands of Mangotsfield, with victory in the league on Saturday.

New joint-manager Matt Francis got the only goal of the game to make it two wins from two since he and Scott Seldon took over.

The hosts had the better chances in a tight game. On 20 minutes Mike Kearley had a header saved after a cross from Francis and soon after, Simon Stone shot just wide after latching on to Graham Parkinson’s deep centre.

The game’s deciding moment arrived after the break. Kearley hooked the ball across after great work on the left and Francis applied the finishing touch.

Blackbrook’s defence remained solid throughout to help the side to their fourth win of the season.

Blackbrook were due to play away to Paulton Reserves in the Somerset Senior Cup on Saturday. However, due to the first team’s FA Cup tie against Norwich City, the game has been put back to next Tuesday.

TAUNTON Blackbrook’s committee have responded to the comments made by Colin Merrick in last week’s Gazette, following his resignation as manager.

A Blackbrook statement said: “In spite of some poor results at the beginning of this season the committee never considered or discussed the possibility of removing Colin from his post, his remarks that he did not have ‘the backing of the committee’ are unjustified.

“Although Colin expressed the view that he ‘didn’t wish to leave like this’ he was in fact given an opportunity to reconsider his decision. This would have given him time to reflect on his resignation and discuss any concerns he had with the committee before making his mind up.

“Colin however chose to stand by his decision and the committee had no choice but to accept his resignation.

“The club wish to reiterate their gratitude to Colin for the success enjoyed during his tenure and wish him every success with his future ambitions in football.”