The Saints Reserves scraped through with moments to spare on Saturday fighting back from a three goal deficit to win 4-3 with around five minutes left. Hay were guilty of breaking the golden rule in football by underestimating an opposition whose league position has masked the fact that their star has been on the rise in recent weeks. Harris opted to rest play-maker Jamie Howard to utilise the pace in the three pronged attack of Bevan, Sly and Evans whilst also sticking with young midfielder Toby Johnson who had played the deeper holding role to perfection the week before alongside the attack minded Holland. With both Cooke and M.Ward returning to their now familiar roles in the channels the side Harris could be be criticised for his overly attacking strategy. The back three of the saints defence consisted of the ever reliable trio of stand in skipper Bradley, Snape and C.Ward with newly appointed assistant manager Ian Jones between the sticks.
On a poor surface Hays usual passing game was always going to suffer but not many in the ground would’ve predicted the Saints being 3-0 within the opening 35 minutes and bar a long range effort from Evans and a decent penalty shout Hay created very few chances in reply.
With the Saints clearly rattled the discipline that has been so good in recent weeks eluded them not only in attitude but in their positional play as well. With the side having no clear shape and struggling to cope with the direct style of the oppositions play Harris took the gamble to switch it to 4-4-2 in an attempt to try and get back into the game. It didn’t take long for the gamble to bear fruit however as Evans was brought down in the box again allowing Bevan to net the resulting penalty. Sly then took control of affairs up front getting his the first of his three goals just before half time to calm the nerves of the away side.
HT 3-2
After a slightly heated half time team talk the Saints emerged and took control of the game early with Harris bringing on Howard for Evans in an attempt to get a hold on the ball in the middle of the pitch. The Saints dominated the 45 second half minutes and it was a matter of when and not if the equaliser would come with Bevan and Sly causing the tiring home sides back four no end of problems with their pace and endeavour and it was theses two who combined after great work on the left by Bevan was met with a fantastic glancing header by Sly giving the ‘keeper no chance.
With D.Jones now on for Cooke and Simmonds on for the injured Jones ( Mike Ward stepping in between the posts again) Hay had some fresh legs out wide and had a clear penalty turned down after Simmonds fed Bevan who was crudely hacked down. However the away sides effort was rewarded with five minutes left on the clock when John Sly’s forced drive proved too much for the ‘keeper who spilled it fractionally over the line which was only given after the home linesman signalled the ref to confirm it was a goal to the surprise and relief of the Saints.
This was a game the Saints would rather forget but one that they will have to learn from with the teams defending in general comical if non existent at times. There were few notable performances but there was no denying the impact of Howards introduction at half time with his composure on the ball and his great range of passing allowing Bevan and Sly to do real damage. Also Alex Simmonds showed some very neat touches but man of the match for his all round play and 3 goals goes to the in form John Sly.
FT 3-4
Team- Ian Jones, Ceri Ward, Sam Bradley(c), Zac Snape, Ollie Cooke, Toby Johnson, Dave Evans, Ben Bevan, John Sly, Lloyd Holland, Mike Ward. subs Dan Jones, Jamie Howard, Alex Symonds.