Page 18 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Helston Athletic 110323

Match Report

Ashton & Backwell Utd FC 0
Barnstaple Town 1

Sixth versus seventh met at the Lancer Scott, in a highly competitive and
even game, two closely matched sides spent much of the game
cancelling out each other’s efforts. Both defences were well marshalled
so there were few real chances for either side and it was soon clear the
outcome would be close. This was evident in the first twenty minutes,
with Barum on top in terms of possession, but showing little at the
business end, indeed the first shot on target was a White looping shot
from an Anthony pass, easily gathered by Kineston.

After that first period the Stags came more into the game, Roberts’s long
clearance was picked by Hardidge, he jinked left into the box, but
Kineston again saved. His opposite number Roberts was called into
action equally infrequently in the half, his only danger in added time at
the end of the first half, Morrish’s low shot was parried into Montague’s
path, but he could only blast over from close range to leave a stalemate
at the interval.

The second period followed much the same pattern of strong defences
being in the ascendant, Stags Anthony, Reece Hedges and Bishop all
doing a top job, Hill, Montague and Colley the same for Barum, so
opportunities remained few. On 51 minutes the home side’s free kick
gave Charlie Saunders and Banks chances, their only reward a corner,
while five minutes later Walker’s free kick beat all but the cross bar.
Then, as the game entered the last ten minutes, a Barum throw-in from
the right came to Swann in front of goal on the edge of the box and his
shot, probably his first attempt all afternoon, fired in for what proved the
winner, Stags’ chances of an equaliser not helped by Jaiyeoba being sin-
binned for arguing after the goal was awarded. Maybe Barum might
have had a second on 88, when, from a corner, Roberts had to make
saves from Wright and Andrew in quick succession.
M.O.M. Reece Hedges

Team: Roberts, Anthony ©, Walker (sub Ford 82m), White (sub Connor
Saunders 90+3m), Reece Hedges, Bishop
Cummings (sub Press 85m), Cattermole (sub Lewis Hedges 65m),
Banks, Charlie Saunders, Hardidge (sub Jaiyeoba 75m)