Mens 2 Vs Wellingborough 1

First half report plus score: In a clash of teams both looking to record their first win of the league season, Saints started more brightly, looking to get forward with every opportunity and MoM contender Richard Wang, back after missing several matches, breaking up any Wellingborough attacks. However it was Wellingborough who drew first blood, scoring completely against the run of play, getting the better of young keeper Ben Knight who had a generally outstanding game in goal. With the next goal now taking on greater importance, Saints continued to push forwards, with MoM Danny Rowlands constantly looking to get the ball high up the pitch and run at the Wellingborough defence, and the Saints defence, led by the excellent Tim Bates, holding the opposition at bay with relative ease. Saints got the goal they were looking for in now familiar fashion, Chris Butterworth assisting captain Mike Hornby from a short corner, although the goal was slightly fortuitous, crossing the line after getting stuck in the back of the ‘keepers pads.
Despite drawing level and looking the more likely team to score again, Wellingborough ensured they went into the half time interval ahead after the Saints defence stopped play, despite no whistle, allowing Wellingborough to roll the ball into the goal. Half time score 1-2.                 

Second half report plus final score: Knowing that this could already be 3 points that could settle the relegation battle, Saints were determined to get back level, and in front, in the second half. Led brilliantly by youngster Alex Bird upfront, and aided by the aerials of Eliott Peck from defence, Saints were once again level when roles reversed and Hornby set up Butterworth for a near post tap in. With the momentum finally their way, Saints searched for a 3rd which was scored when Rowlands swept in from the top of the D when one on one with the keeper, after being released by Butterworth in the middle of the park. With the game looking safer by the minute, Wellingborough again scored against the run of play, a brilliant deflection into the side netting bringing them level at 3-3. The stage was set for a tense finale, Will Zvetsloot and Paul Ray both pushing forwards down the left and right wings respectively to look for a winner, which came from an unlikely source. Gary Leyshon, a last minute addition to the squad, scored an almost carbon copy of Rowlands’ earlier goal but from the left, again released by Butterworth for a one on one with the keeper, finishing from a difficult angle. With the crowd and players going wild, Saints were able to manage the remaining five minutes with few scares to record a very important first win of the season. 4-3.

Best goal for Saints: Winner, swept in by Gary Leyshon, after a swift counter attack

Best save for Saints: Several contenders but two near post deflections off his leg pad, tipping the ball around the post, from strong strikes, stand out.

Best defensive moment: Tim Bates tackling the Wellingborough right winger every time he tried to take him on 1 on 1

POM and why: Danny Rowlands, great goal and tirelessly pressed the opposition defence