05.04.08

Brislington Away

Willand Rovers kept their long unbeaten run going courtesy of a 0-0 draw away at Brislington, and now have a run in consisting of three home League games in order to secure a place in the top three before the St Lukes Cup final rounds proceedings off on May 6th. This proved to be another game when the lack of a proven goalscorer was to be the key reason behind Willand not taking all 3 points as they dominated this tie from start to finish, creating numerous chances in both half's of the game. The 'Rovers glovesman, Brian Cann did not have a save to make during the whole game and never touched the ball in the 2nd half, with the opening period of play in the 1st half described by Willand Chairman, Mike Mitchell as "the best he had seen the 'Rovers play for a long while." The chances came as early as the 1st minute when a long throw from David Hamly was headed on by David Steele, finding Robert Norrish who tested the 'keeper with a good shot. Hamby himself was on target as Nick Yeo in the home goal was kept busy as Willand piled on the pressure. In the 25th minute it was another good move that ended with a crack on goal, this time Baily producing a stinging shot, rattling the cross bar in an opening half that should have seen the 'Rovers well ahead and on their way to another away win. The 1st chances of the 2nd half fell to Danny Baily and Gary McAuley respectively, but both of their shots were blocked in a hectic couple of minutes during the opening minutes of the half. Paul Pocock was the next to have a go at goal, this time it was Nick Yeo in the home goal coming to the hosts rescue saving well after the Willand front man was clean through one on one. As the tie edged towards the last 20 minutes it was David Steele who was getting in on the action, but his header following a free kick went over the bar with just the 'keeper to beat. Two more free kicks followed, both delivered by Russell Jee and both headed wide of the mark, this time from McAuley and substitute James Ansell. With just 10 minutes left on the clock it was Hamblys turn to hit the woodwork as he produced a 20yd volley that hammered against the bar.

Brislington: Yeo, Williams, Twentyman, Barwood, Llama, Peart, Chaffey(c), Haynes, Guibarra, Lucas, Peters
Subs: Church, Patch, Hazell
Booked: Barwood, Peart, Haynes

Willand: Cann, McAuley, Hambly, Patchett, Hill, Steele, Jee, Norrish(c), Baily(Woodman 85), Goff, Pocock(Ansell 70)
Sub: Beech(not used)
Booked: Goff

Referee, Kevin Morris, Hereford

Star Man: Nick Yeo, Brislington