Match Reports from Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th Feb
Posted by Matt Gausden-Walker on 18 February 2015
Men’s 2nd XI 3-2 Warwick University 2nd XI (Sunday 15th Feb)
Goals: Dan Rose, Matt Marriott (2)
Saints welcomed back long-term absentees Alex Clark (from injury) and forward Dan Rose into their squad for Sundays relegation dog-fight at home against Warwick University. Third team skipper Simon Chapman was also called up to give the 2s a healthy looking 14 man squad.
Saints started the game rather nervously, and the University side scored the first goal of the game. Gradually the home team began to assert themselves on the game, and enjoyed prolonged spells of possession without really threatening the Warwick keeper. With minutes to go in the first half, Saints won a short corner. With the keeper saving the initial effort, goal-poacher Dan Rose was on hand to tap in the rebound through the keepers legs. Half-time 1-1 but room for improvement!
A few harsh (but fair) half-time words from coach Tom Hewitt seemed to do the job, as the 2s came out in the second half re-invigorated; as they pressed and passed the ball with far greater urgency. Chances came and went for Saints and it looked like it was going to be ‘one of those days’ until midfielder Matt Marriott came to the rescue with 2 goals in quick succession to put the score at 3-1.
Warwick pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go, but the Saints defence held firm, and indeed the home side had a couple of chances to put the game to bed but again couldn’t finish these chances off. The last minute of time saw Saints enter ‘squeaky bum time’ as they conceded a short corner right on the whistle. However the defensive unit of Nick Card, Matt Gausden, Ben Northedge and George Roberts and Will Powell cleared their lines to ensure the game finished 3-2 to Saints. A huge win which now gives Saints a fighting chance to pull clear in the 2nd XI Midlands Premier Division relegation battle.
Next Saturday (21st Feb) is another ‘6-pointer’ as they host fellow relegation candidates West Bridgford at Moulton College (water base). Push back is at 12pm, all support will be greatly appreciated.
MOTM: Matt Marriott
DOTD: Tom Hewitt – for various forgetful moments before the game.
Squad: Will Powell (GK), Nick Card (c), Matt Gausden, Ricard Pryce, Elliott Wilde, George Roberts, Ben Northedge, Dave Wennington, Matt Marriott, Harry York, Simon Chapman, Tom Hewitt, Dan Rose, Alex Clark.
