Toolstation Western League: Nailsea & Tickenham 1-0 Saltash Utd
The Swags hosted last Seasons runners up Saltash Utd who made the trip up from Plymouth. The Swags had narrowly lost 3-2 in the away fixture earlier in the season so were looking for revenge, writes Paul Harnden.
Joint Managers Smith & Steadman have added to the defensive options and this week made two big signings with Joe Bishop, and Steve Kingdon joining - both straight into the starting line up.
The Swags were straight out of the blocks and played on the front foot, pegging Saltash back and causing problems. Vowles had the ball in the back of the net but was penalised for offside after four minutes. The Swags took a well deserved lead after just seven minutes when a Joe Banks deflected right footed shot beat an otherwise faultless Jordan Duffey in the Saltash goal. Vowles came agonisingly close after twenty minutes and saw his shot flash just past the post.
Saltash came back into the game and had a couple of great chances after good periods of possession, but could not convert.
The second half was a challenge on a now heavy pitch after relentless rain, Saltash searched for an equaliser and were unlucky not to turn the dominant possession into goals.
The Swags had a glorious chance to make it two after Callum Dunn was fouled in the box. Top scorer Lucas Vowles stepped up but could not convert the penalty which was saved by Duffey.
Jacob O’Donnell, Scott Pilgrim, and Oliver Carter were now all on for the Swags who started to create more. Joe Berry was denied after a superb double save from Duffey, and then at the other end Jason Mellor saved the Swags from a certain goal with a brilliant block from close range.
FT 1-0. A brave defensive effort at times with the Swags narrowly taking all three points against a very good away side. The Bristol Windows MOM was Joe Bishop at the heart of the defence.
Joint Manager Jamie Smith said: "We are really happy to have taken the points in this one as Saltash caused us a lot of problems on the day. The new lads coming in at the back certainly made a difference and helped us keep a much needed clean sheet.
"If we can get more of these, with our firepower up front, we will be a big problem for other sides in the division. Special mention to Keiran O’Melia from Saltash who suffered a nasty injury, we wish him all the best."
