Bitton bow out of the FA Vase as weather ruins non-league programme
Only one game in the Toolstation League survived the atrocious weather conditions that prevailed on Saturday and the conditions also affected the scheduled FA Vase action.
However, Bitton manager Andy Black saw his side's Vase game at Plymouth Parkway survive and may have wished it hadn't as his side, who reached the last 16 last season, crashed out of the competition 3-2 against the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League side.
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"We never settled down to play like we can and were always struggling, although we still created chances which should have brought us victory," said Black.
Goalkeeper John Rendell made a good early save from Matt Cusack to prevent Bitton falling behind, but Plymouth moved in front after 17 minutes when Ryan Honey's volley from the edge of the penalty area was deflected in.
Michael Meaker equalised from the penalty spot after Tom Piotrowski was brought down in the 27th minute.
Encouraged by this, Bitton took the lead in the 35th minute, when Piotrowski tucked away Mark Cherry's cross at the far post.
However, the home side were level again before half-time, when Cusack crashed home a well-struck 20-yard drive.
Bitton missed a chance to retake the lead from the spot. Meaker was brought down as he went clear, but his spot-kick was brilliantly turned over the crossbar by Ben Elphick.
The home side took the lead just after the hour mark when a cross from Cussack was put away by Andy Sargent.
Bitton had further chances through Craig Mullen and Meaker, but they were wasted.
In an all-Toolstation League clash, Premier Division Larkhall Athletic needed extra-time to overcome First Division leaders Wells City 3-2.
Keiran Baggs put Larkhall ahead from the penalty spot after Luke Bryan had beenfouled, but Ian Howse put Wells level just past the hour mark. It needed two fine saves from Larkhall keeper Adam Shepherd to keep his side in the game going into extra-time, before Ross McErlaine struck to put Wells ahead.
Larkhall levelled when they were awarded a second penalty, Simon Bone making it 2-2 after a handball, and Tony Perry snatched victory for them with a late header.
Dawlish Town also went through to the next round with a 3-1 home victory over Wimborne Town.
The only league game to go ahead saw Westbury United beat Minehead 4-0 in the First Division.











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