The Sunday Saints hosted Belmont this morning at Forest Road, this was no doubt going to be Gareth Jenkins’ men toughest challenge to date with the visitors winning their first two games and narrowly losing out to Commercial last weekend who are tipped as the title favourites.
Dan Jones takes a free kick.
The Saints got the ball down and made some good openings in the earlier stages but didn’t really test the visiting keeper. Hay continued to boss the game but it took them until the 16th minute to find the opener a Dan Jones corner caused a scramble in the box but Craig “Bruce” Forsyth was on hand to smash in a loose ball from 5 yards. 1-0. There wasn’t much action in front of goal for the rest of the half a few half chances that fell to Forsyth and Johnny Daw but nothing clear cut, Hay though defended well throughout the first half and Michael Ward in the sticks ht 1-0.
Sunday Saints v Belmont.
The Saints coninued to dominate the game in the second half and the visitors were always looking to play a long ball to their big number 10. It was a case of when the hosts would double their lead as it was attack after attack. Eventually around the 60 minute mark the second goal did come and it was Forsyth again on hand to score a poachers finish from 6 yards after some untidy defending. 2-0. That gave the Saints more confidence to push on and look for more goals as they were still comfortable at the back. Johnny Daw clipped the post with a free kick and Wilf Ratcliffe went on a mazy run from inside his own half that forced the keeper into a fine save.
Belmont at home.
With 15 minutes left the game was over, a cross from the right wing wasn’t dealt with and substitute Harry Ratcliffe was on hand at the far post to scramble the ball over the line. 3-0.
Belmont home.
It was four not long after, Johnny Daw was fouled 20 yards out just right of centre, he picked himself up and wonderfully curled the ball so that it clipped the underside of the crossbar but also landed in the side netting, a great strike. 4-0. The visitors did get the ball in the net but the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul by captain Liam Pugh.
Full Time 4-0
The corner that lead to the opening goal.
Two goal Craig Forsyth and player manager Gareth Jenkins.
A good win for the Saints, who looked comfortable throughout, I think a lot of teams from Hereford will take notice of this result and will not be looking forward to their trip to Forest Road in the future. The whole team played well but a mention for the backline of Sam Bradley, Jake Atkinson and Liam Pugh who all had great games.
I spoke with the manager after the game and he said “A good performance and result today, the back three were all solid, Wardy in goal made some good saves when called upon, overall my man of the match was Sam Bradley”.