Match Report

Swindon Supermarines v Willand Rovers

Willand Rovers had their second midweek action of the season on Wednesday night as they took on Southern League Premier Division South side Swindon Supermarines in an FA Cup replay after the draw at the weekend. Marine made a couple of changes with George Dowling and Zack Kotwica coming in for Sal Abubakar who dropped to the bench whilst Tom Sharpe who missed out with injury.

The first shot of the match came on seven minutes when Marine’s Conor McDonagh had his effort saved by Willand keeper George Burton. Willand had the ball in the back of the net in the ninth minute through centre forward Lewis Hill but he was flagged offside and the goal was disallowed. Marine’s Henry Spalding found some space on the edge of the box soon afterwards but curled the shot over the top.

Marine were starting to dominate attack and the breakthrough eventually came on eighteen minutes and it was scored by Harry Wiliams. A cross from Henry Spalding was headed against the Willand crossbar by Marine’s Zack Kotwica and the quickest to react was Harry Williams he headed the ball past keeper Burton who got a hand to the ball but could not stop it going in.

Marine’s Williams came close to adding to Marine’s tally from another cross but could only flick the header wide. Willand were putting on a spirited response to going behind and were not sitting on their laurels in trying to get back into it. Jamie Hearsey replaced Jack Winsor for the Willand early in the second period and Marine’s Williams again poking the ball wide from close in. But Willand were giving it their all.

Marine made their first sub on the hour. George Dowling was replaced by Tyrone Duffus with their skipper Mat Liddiard moving into the midfield to allow Duffus to go in to the center of defense. A dangerous cross from Marine’s Henry Spalding almost snuck in at the back post but no one could force it home. Willand made another change Josh Baker replaced Lewis Hill as Willand made their second change of the night.

Adam Kelly had a great opportunity to level the score for Rovers in the 85th minute: Josh Baker made a surging run forward and squared an inviting ball across the edge of the Marine penalty area to the unmarked Kelly who uncharacteristically blasted the ball over the bar.

Final score Swindon Supermaine 1 Willand Rovers 0

So it was Marine who edged through to the next round. We would like to wish Swindon Supermarine all the best for the rest of the season.

Willand put in a really good performance against a very good Premier divison club and they may be out of the FA cup but they did themselves proud.

Next up for Willand is a home tie against local rivals Bideford AFC on Saturday 10^th September in the FA Trophy.