Pughy clearing his lines.
Another battling display by the Saints saw them claw back a one goal defecit at half time, with a Paul Ward Willis goal, to grab a point against Shobdon.
It was fantastic to welcome Bryan Kirkham back to playing football after his last horrific 11 months. He certainly played his part in the Saints getting the point and looked very comfortable between the sticks again.
The team started the better and had the Saints on the back foot. Kirks had to be alert early on when a deflection saw an away forward go through only for Kirks to make a good stop.
The Saints settled in to their game and played some good football without any real end product. Mike Price saw a good far post header go just over from a Graeme Keeble free kick.
It was the away side who went ahead with a scrappy goal with Paul Davies making a good challenge but at the same time it deflected past Kirks and into the path of a Shobdon forward who had the easy task of running the ball into the net. Just after this they hit the bar with a good shot from 20 yards. HT 0-1
After half time the lads came out and really dominated the first 30 minutes playing some really good football. They got their reward when Paul Ward Willis scored after a great move with a clinical finish after some neat control. They continued their neat play however, Shobdon pushed on as the half went on and put the defence under pressure though they didnt really test Kirks.
A very good team performance after a long break which we all hope will now let us kick on into the second half of the season. Next week Fownhope Res at home.
Team; Bryan Kirkham, Paul Davies(Nick Rodell), Mike Havard, Chris Bounds, Gareth Pugh, Graeme Keeble, Garry Keeble, Haydn Williams, Mike Price, Paul Ward Willis(Josh Barrell).
The Saints face Shobdon at home in their first game since the 12th December. Kick off is 2 o’clock, please be at the ground for 1 o’clock.
The following squad has been selected; Bryan Kirkham; Paul Davies; Mike Havard; Nick Rodell; Chris Bounds; Graeme Keeble; Ceri Ward; Mike Price; Josh Barrell; Haydn Williams; Sam Birch; Gareth Pugh; Garry Keeble; Paul Ward Willis; Gareth Ratcliffe.