Somerset County Premier

Berrow 2, Nailsea United 3

BERROW kicked off the new season with an agonising defeat at the hands of Nailsea United in a game they were unlucky to come out of empty-handed.

An early contender for goal of the season from Luke McErlain and another from Harry Penfold sent the sides into the final quarter of the match all square at 2-2, but the visitors snatched a winner 15 minutes from time to seal the points.

Missing last season’s top scorer Jack Taylor due to injury, Berrow fielded a youthful line-up, handing debuts to Jack Spence and Ryan Stiles.

Berrow started brighter and threatened without testing the visiting keeper, but were pegged back when a slip allowed Nailsea in for a scruffy goal.

Berrow went in search of an equaliser but were thwarted by bad luck on several occasions, until skipper Luke McErlain scored what will probably be goal of the season.

Berrow’s talisman picked up a clearance in his own half, looked up spotting the keeper off his line and executed a fine half volley that dipped under the bar.

The scores were level at half-time and Berrow were looking the better side.

They sought to kick on, but were once again pegged back when the visiting forward curled a fine effort past Ash Harrison.

That lead lasted seconds however, when fine build up play lead to Spence curling a great cross in for makeshift striker Harry Penfold to head home.

Berrow pressed and Penfold hit the underside of the bar with another fine strike, but it was Nailsea who grabbed another scrappy goal to take the lead with 15 minutes left and they saw out the game despite the best efforts of the hosts.