The Saints were lucky to come away with a point after being outplayed for much of the game. It was however a goal 15 minutes from the end by Stu Davies which rescued the point.
From the start Saints struggled to get their normal passing game going against a youthful hard working home side. There seemed to be no cohesion and the ball was given away far too easily on numerous occasions. It was thanks to some timely covering tackles at the back from both Al Howard and Chris Bounds that helped Ian Jones in goal, who made a smart save down to his left, keep the Saints in the game. HT 0-0
The second half started in explosive fashion as the home sides centre forward, who had been niggling all first half, got involved in something that was nothing to do with him. Even with the home side down to 10 men they were still the better side and the Saints were still not really threatning to break through. Eioss in the Saints goal made two good saves to deny the home attack.
H had bought Tom Wilkes on at half time who replaced Toby Johnson who was not well. Even though, Toby showed some good touches and showed that he will be an asset to the squad this season. Further changes were made with Will Goodwin replacing Mike Ward and Graeme Keeble coming on for Jamie Howard..H decided to play with one up front and Gr Keebs playing in the hole supporting Will Goodwin. It was however to be the home side who went ahead though as Eioss came out of his area and the home midfield player went around him and fired into an emptyy net. This was a shame as Eioss had kept the side in the game earlier on.
With this Alex Winstone moved up into midfield and finally the Saints showed a bit of drive. This was to pay off when Gr Keebs took a throw in , throwing it so that Stu turned the defender at the same time. He took a couple of strides and shot across the keeper into the far corner. Another good finish from the goal machine.Even though the Saints were now playing alot better they couldn’t find a way through the home defence to get the 2nd goal.
The Saints had two decent penalty shouts turned down by the referee. Garry Keeble was bought down when cutting back from the byeline the referee insisting the defender got a touch. The second incident was from a corner when the keeper man handled our man on the line however, the referee chose to ignore this.
The game finished 1-1 and to be honest the Saints were lucky not to have lost this against a side who looked alot better than their league position suggests.
I thought all the subs who came on made a positive contribution. Wilko showing his usual ability on the ball and running at defenders. Will holding the ball up well and not giving the defenders a moments peace.Keebs who got on the ball made some good passes and had a decent free kick saved by the home keeper. Other than this Stu never stopped running again and Winnie at the back/midfield was outstanding(except for that one little flick over your head on the edge of your box Winnie!!!!). Also the two full backs Boundsy and Al covered well all game and Eioss made 3 or 4 very sharp saves to keep the Saints in the game.
Team; Ian Jones, Al Howard,Chris Bounds,Alex Winstone, Liam Pugh,Garry Keeble,Jamie Howard(Graeme Keeble),Stu Davies,Toby Johnson(Tom Wilkes),Mike Ward(Will Goodwin),Ollie Cooke. Unused sub Ben Walsh