Odd Down advanced to the second round of the Jewson Western League’s Les Phillips Cup by recording a superb victory at Hanham-based club AEK Boco on Tuesday 20th October.

The all-Division One tie at Greenbank pitted the fourth-placed Down against the league leaders. But the Down took the honours from the first-round clash by winning 3-2, although Boco rattled a post near the end.

Corey Rawlings handed the Bears the lead but Odd Down levelled through Jack Kelsey’s 27th-minute penalty.

The Bath outfit ensured a 2-1 lead at the break thanks to James Book’s 42nd-minute goal.

And Nick Fowler extended the advantage in the 70th minute, only for Adam Buckley to pull one back.

With time running out, Buckley’s free-kick was thwarted by the Down’s goal-frame.

Odd Down: Ky Armstrong, Jaiden Savery, Sam Franklin, James Book, Joe Paradise, Jack Kelsey, Gracjan Blajek, Dom Walter (Richard Fowler, 70), Nick Fowler (Josh Howlett, 80), Lenny Gale, Billy Ransome (Will Gould, 60). Unused subs: Ryan Gay, Joe Ellis.

Kelsey’s goal after only 13 seconds gave the Down the perfect start to their match at Cadbury Heath in Western League Division One on Saturday 17th October.

Although the Heathens recovered to equalise through Callum Macey before the break, Billy Ransome struck in the 50th minute to ensure a 2-1 away victory.

The attendance was 45.

Odd Down: Ky Armstrong, Jaiden Savery, Richard Fowler, Josh Howlett, Joe Paradise, Joe Ellis (Dom Walter, 75), Ryan Gay, Jack Kelsey, Jake Slocombe (Gracjan Blajek, 65), Lewis Hunt, Billy Ransome (Sam Franklin, 80). Unused subs: James Har?, James Book.

The Down needed a pair of second-half goals to overcome struggling Welton Rovers in a league tussle at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on Tuesday 13th October.

Midsomer Norton-based Rovers came to Bath with just one point from their previous 14 matches – but the basement boys went ahead through Nick Taylor before the break.

Ryan Gay got the hosts back on terms nine minutes into the second period of a match that was watched by 60 people.

And Ransome hit the decider in the 62nd minute, shortly after coming off the bench.

Odd Down: Will Pope, Jaiden Savery, Richard Fowler, Josh Howlett, Joe Paradise, Callum Elms, Ryan Gay (Gracjan Blajek, 75), Dom Walter (Billy Ransome, 60), Ellis Hancock (Jake Slocombe, 46), Lewis Hunt, Nick Fowler. Unused subs: Jack Kelsey, Lenny Gale.

The Down will face AEK Boco again in their next match – on Saturday 24th October (3pm). This time the sides will do battle in a league fixture at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground.

Meanwhile, Odd Down have become the first side in the whole of the two-division Western League to fully embrace a new national ground-safety initiative, transforming all four sides of their pitch perimeter following funding support from the Premier League Stadium Fund.

A statement from the league said: “The spotlight on perimeter safety across non-league football intensified following the tragic death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar, who suffered a fatal brain injury after colliding with a concrete pitchside barrier while playing for Chichester City in September 2025.

“The incident prompted The Football Association to undertake a review of pitchside walls and perimeter safety at grounds across the National League System.

“As part of the subsequent safety programme, specialist risk advisers Marsh were involved in identifying football grounds where perimeter barriers and surrounds required improvement or replacement.

“With generous financial backing made available through the Premier League Stadium Fund, clubs were given the opportunity to enhance player safety without placing significant strain on their own finances.

“Odd Down wasted no time in taking action. Following assessment and approval, the club has now successfully replaced and upgraded its pitch surrounds on all four sides of the ground, completing the work at no cost to the club itself thanks to the available funding.

“The project not only delivers a significant safety improvement for players, officials and spectators, but it has also given the ground an impressive visual lift.

“The new perimeter barriers look modern and professional and provide a smart finish befitting a club that continues to invest in its future.

“Importantly, Odd Down have become the first club in the Western League to fully capitalise on the identified safety improvements and available funding, setting an example for others to follow.

“The work demonstrates a proactive approach from everyone involved at the club.

“Rather than waiting for changes to become mandatory, Odd Down recognised the opportunity to improve both safety and presentation and moved quickly to secure the funding and complete the project.

“The result speaks for itself. A safer environment, a smarter-looking stadium, and a club leading the way for others across the region.

“Odd Down deserve enormous credit for grasping the opportunity, embracing the recommendations and ensuring their ground is fit for the future, while protecting players for years to come. It is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that keeps non-league football moving in the right direction.”

Odd Down Development overcame Frome Collegians 3-0 at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on Wednesday 21st October in their rearranged Paulton Hospital Cup second-round tie.

James Hare (2) and Brandon Anstey scored.

The Devs, who had no match on 17th October, will visit Clutton Reserves in The Waterhouse Financial Advisers Mid Somerset League Premier Division on 24th October (2pm).

The draw for the second round of the Bryan Wells CPS Grounds Ltd Junior Cup – formerly the Somerset Junior Cup – has given Odd Down Development a trip to Weston-super-Mare & District League Division One team West Wick. The tie will be played on Saturday 14th November.