29.09.2007 Melksham Town v Willand Rovers

Match: Melksham Town v Willand Rovers

Result: 2-0 Willand away win

Date: Saturday 29th September 2007.

Competition: Toolstation Western League Premier

Venue: The Conigre, Melksham

Weather: Fine

Conditions: good

Crowd: 65

Ground Appearance: Good

Referee: Alan Bird, Chippenham

Willand Rovers maintained their good start to the League campaign with their first ever victory over Melkshan Town, coming away from Wiltshire 2-0 winners. Visiting 'Rovers hardly had the best preparation for the trip to The Conigre as they arrived at the ground late due to traffic congestion on the M5 and only had 20 minutes preparation before kicking off at 3.05. The first half turned out to be a very even affair, but not a dull one as both teams strived to play good football. Rovers goalkeeper, Nathan Whatley was the first to be called into action as he produced a superb catch in the opening minute of the game. Ten minutes later it was home shot stopper, Steve Perrin, who was called into action making a good save to deny David Steele a goal from one of his trademark free kicks after James Ansell had been fouled. It was the home goalkeeper once again who was tested 15 minutes in, this time a David Hambly free kick found the head of Sam Croft but another good save from Perrin ensured the scores remained level. Both goalkeepers were made to earn their corn with Whatley again producing a fine double save on 25 minutes, firstly from a 20yd shot and then preventing the follow up being slotted in by the Melksham Centrex forward by bravely falling on the ball. Ansell could have nicked a halftime lead for the visitors with just 5 minutes to go but his quick turn and shot went just wide of goal. It was Willand who started the brighter in the second period with Danny Jee heading wide a Ansell free kick with the goalkeeper beaten. Moments later it was Jee again trying his luck with a header, this time from a David Steele cross, but Perrin gathered all to easily. A seeming controversial penalty award to Willand in the 57th minute gave the 'Rovers the opportunity to get onto the score sheet in this otherwise tight encounter. After an alleged push in the box following a Willand corner, the referee awarded a penalty and David Steele made no mistake from the spot netting his 3rd goal of the season. The home side had their chances notably when Steve Tweddle broke though, but with Simon Hill pestering him and keeping him in his pocket it forced the Melksham man to rush his shot that was easily saved by Whatley. With just over an hour gone it was Sam Williams who went close, putting a powerful header just over the crossbar. Ten minutes later he was to get on the score sheet as he headed home a Jee cross following a great four man move, netting Willands second and his 8th of the season so far. With time running out the home side tried desperately to pull a goal back but Whatley in the Willand goal was to prove more than a match for Tweddle and Leigh Burkes efforts. This performance was to show that Willand are now becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Premier Division, edging out a good Melksham side in a very tight game. This Saturday Willand are back on the FA Vase trail as they entertain Shortwood United in the 1st Rd Proper.

Willand: Whatley, McAuley, Hambly, Croft, Hill, Steele, Jee, Norrish(c), Ansell, Williams, Pocock
Subs: Beech, Everett, Patchett (not used)
Booked: Jee 85, Williams 90

Melksham: Perrin, Clarkson, Thorne, Tindle, Trott, Burke(c), Coleman, Groves, Tweddle, Benison, Auckland
Subs: Dunphy, Coatinspie, Macey

Star Man: Ricky Trott (Melksham Town)