Sinkums win 3-2 at Mercia Athletic in Herefordshire League Premier Division thriller (From Hereford Times)

Sinkums, Hereford, win 3-2 at Mercia Athletic in Herefordshire League Premier Division thriller

10:44am Sunday 10th March 2013 in Football

Mercia Athletic 2 Sinkums 3

Sinkums remain top of the Herefordshire League Premier Division thanks to two strikes from Scott Turner, writes TOM VALE.

Three goals in six first-half minutes proved to be enough for Sinkums, as they edged out their high-flying rivals.

The visitors almost capitalised on a Mercia mix-up within 30 seconds of the kick-off but 'keeper Dean Kibble managed to scurry back and block Turner's effort.

Despite several golden opportunities for the hosts to take an early lead, they couldn't take their chances.

And in the 22nd minute, Mercia were punished when Turner converted a flowing passing move between Brett Lawrence and Rikki Adjie.

Three minutes later, goalkeeper Kibble couldn't hold onto Adjie's cross and Damian Gallimore pounced to slot home.

Three more minutes passed before Turner cut in from the left and fired a 25-yard effort into the top corner.

It looked like the home side were going to rue their missed chances but they had more opportunities before and then after the break, including a penalty when Sinkums 'keeper Adam Rocke brought Stuart New.

However, Will Tolley's penalty was straight down the middle and easy for Rocke to keep out.

Mercia continued to dominate and it eventually paid off when Paul Jenkins thumped in a 30-yard effort.

It was chance after chance and when substitute Glenn Day headed home in the 86th minute, it set up a nervy finale.

Mercia's Mark Phipps blasted over in added time and referee Jim Lambert awarded an indirect free-kick in their opponents penalty area because of foul language.

But New's strike cannoned back off the wall and Sinkums held on for victory.

For interviews and photographs from this game, read Tom Vale's Big Match feature in Thursday's Hereford Times.