The Saints picked up 3 much needed points against visiting Wellington with goals from Steve Goodwin and John Sly.
The visitors made a threatening start to the game with the Saints struggling to keep hold of the ball in the opening stages; Wellington forced a number of early corners but ‘keeper Ian Jones confidently cleared his lines every time with some strong punches. The goalie made an excellent save to deny the Wellington striker when a strong shot was fired goalwards but Jones pushed the ball over the bar. At the other end, an opportunist snapshot by Kevin Goodwin inside the box went over but there were few other chances. Hay took the lead mid-way through the first-half when a free-kick from the right was put into the box by Gareth Pugh, and S. Goodwin rose highest in the box to head in from six yards. The Colts were soon back into the game, although they had luck on their side, when their right-winger looked a yard offside but the linesman didn’t flag. The winger was on hand to nod in the loose ball which had resulted from a move and cross down the left-wing. The remainder of the first-half saw Wellington look dangerous on the break but Hay defended well, whilst the Saints struggled to find much impetus up top.
The game gradually opened up during the second-period allowing both sides to exploit the space, especially down both wings. Again, Wellington’s best opportunities came from set-pieces but Hay defended well once more, with the experience of Mike Havard at the back a commanding presence. As the half went on, chances started to come for the Saints, and John Sly especially. Firstly, a strong run down the left by K. Goodwin saw him chip a pass inside the box to Sly, who missed a header from close-range. He made up for that miss soon after though as a long pass from the right-wing picked out the forward run of S. Goodwin, who lifted a left-foot first time pass onto the head of Sly, who nodded into the open goal from three yards. Both sides looked to grab the all important next goal with Wellington breaking at pace but on a number of occasions, they failed to get the better of Jones, who was in excellent form. In the closing moments, Sly’s superb skill on the right wing saw him lift the ball over a defender’s head before visciously sending a right-foot volley just past the side netting.
It was an important victory for the Saints as they looked to consolidate their place in the Herefordshire Division One. Wellington looked a very good side at times, combining strength and pace, with an excellent first-touch but the Saints matched them with their work-rate and decisively, the finishing touch.
Hay: I. Jones, S. Bradley, M. Havard, T. Johnson, G. Pugh, K. Goodwin, G. Keeble, S. Goodwin, J. Howard, J. Sly, W. Goodwin.
Subs not used: C. Bounds, N. Rodell.
Saints players battling for the ball.
Midfielder Jamie Howard.