No early Xmas presents for Corsham

Corsham Town’s valiant fight went unrewarded as they fell 2-1 to Worcester City in a thrilling encounter at Claines Lane on a wet December afternoon.

The Quarrymen started brightly, carving out a penalty in the 18th minute after Kye Simpson was fouled, but Matt Swan’s spot-kick was well saved by the Worcester keeper. Despite the setback, Corsham remained undeterred, pressing high and threatening on the counter-attack. Jack Taylor had an early sight of goal, while Ethan Hill saw a free-kick sail narrowly wide.

Worcester gradually grew into the game, and after weathering a Corsham storm, they struck first in the 42nd minute. A pinpoint corner found an unmarked Worcester head, leaving Alfie Kelsey in the Corsham net helpless.

Just after the break, Mark Cooper headed home following a scramble in the box, equalising for the visitors and sending the travelling Corsham fans into raptures. The scoreline remained level until the 69th minute, when a defensive lapse from Corsham allowed Worcester to break clear and slot home the winning goal.

Though stung, Corsham continued to press for an equaliser in the closing stages. Owen Humphries saw a shot sail inches over, while Alex Hallett and Mark Cooper were denied by fantastic saves from the Worcester keeper. Ultimately, time ran out for the Quarrymen, but their battling performance against a top side earned them plenty of plaudits.

Corsham may have left Claines Lane empty-handed, but they can take heart from their spirited display. They matched the league leader for large parts of the game and created several clear-cut chances. In the end, a late sucker punch proved the difference, but the Quarrymen showed enough fight and resilience to suggest they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season.