WAYTOWN HOUNDS 2

FORTON RANGERS 1

WAYTOWN Hounds overtook Perry Street & District League Division One rivals Forton Rangers with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Looking to continue to build on recent results, Waytown started debutants Dan Baggs and Kieran Mulhall with both players having a positive influence on the game.

Forton took the lead early on with a glancing header from a corner which flashed past Hounds’ goalkeeper Joe Carter.

Waytown looked for a leveller and had an opportunity on the half hour mark from the spot but John Kingston’s penalty was superbly saved by the Forton keeper.

Carter was again called into action but Forton could not increase their lead. As the half wore on Waytown created chances, but failed to find a leveller.

Although Waytown trailed 1-0 at half time, Hounds felt confident of getting something out of the game and duly scored an equaliser after 65 minutes.

Kingston atoned for his earlier miss with a perfect delivery for centre-back Zak Hawker to net a thumping header and 10 minutes later the Hounds went 2-1 up with a lovely finish from Mulhall.

Waytown’s instigator was young Scott Williams, who found himself in space on the right wing.

Williams delivered a tricky cross that Forton struggled to clear and the ball fell to Dan Boot who jinked past one defender and fired the ball in hard and low for Mulhall to smash home.

Forton pressed for a leveller but organised defending and a fingertip save from Carter kept them out.

Hounds’ manager Carter said: “Another fine display against a very physical Forton team. We showed great spirit and organisation again to clinch another victory.

“We had Jon Legg and Tom Franklin absent with injuries but that gave us the opportunity to give Dan and Kieran their debuts. Both played well and made a real difference.

“Team was great, however Dan Boot was immense – strong in the challenge and great going forward, so my man of the match.”

Hounds entertain South Petherton Reserves on Saturday (2pm).

Waytown then go on to their hotly-anticipated Division One cup final on December 28 against Hawkchurch at Tatworth Playing Field.