26.01.2008 Willand Rovers v Melksham Town

Match: Willand Rovers v Melksham Town

Result: 3-3 score draw

Date: Saturday 26th January 2008.

Competition: Toolstation Western League Premier

Venue: Silver Street, Willand

Weather: Bright and chilly

Conditions: Good

Crowd: 60

Ground Appearance: Good

Referee: Malcolm West, St Austell

After the disappointment of their shock defeat in midweek against bottom side Bishop Sutton, the 'Rovers had the chance to put the record straight and turn in an improved display against visiting Melksham Town, improve they did but unfortunately they had to settle for a share of the points after a last minute own goal gifted the visitors a point. Despite being forced in to a late team reshuffle due to Ben Harris getting injured in the warm up, the home side started the game a bit more positively with a speculative lob from captain Rob Norrish being tipped over the bar by visiting 'keeper Steve Perrin with just 11 minutes on the clock. With David Steele looking more like his old self and getting a grip on midfield, it came as no surprise that it was from a great run from him that was to help Willand on their way to the opening goal. Breaking from inside his own half, Steele brushed past numerous challenges before a neat 1-2 with James Ansell provided Steele with a close range tap in as Perrin struggled to get a grip on the ball, 13 minutes into the game. The visitors did have their share of the play and the home side were grateful that the returning Simon Hill was in good form mopping up at the back. The home side had the chance to make it 2-0 on the half hour after Adam Young had brought down Ansell on the edge of the box, up stepped Russell Jee who delivered a crisp free kick that found Paul Pocock unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot, although on target was straight at Perrin in the Melksham goal. The visitors pulled level just 3 minutes later when Natty Auckland fired in an unstoppable shot from 25yds that rocketed into the top corner leaving Brian Cann in the Willand goal helpless. With the interval fast approaching it was the impressive looking Steele who was to give the home side the lead with another cracking strike. Russell Jee delivered another great free kick into the penalty area and when the ball fell to Steeles feet 18yds out he made know mistake hammering the ball hard and low into the back of the net. With the second half barely 5 minutes old it was Melksham who came back to level the scores once again, this time it was a well taken effort by Dave Macey, who calmly slotted past the advancing Cann that was to bring the visitors level once again. The home side never let their heads drop and took the game by the scruff of the neck and were rewarded on the hour mark with a rare goal from centre half Sam Croft. Finding himself inside the visitors 6yd area with his back to gaol, Croft calmly turned and curled a wonderful shot past Perrin giving the hosts a deserved lead. Chances were appearing for the home side with Steele again lobbing over minutes later but the visitors did have their chances and the home side were grateful to the reflexes of Cann as he pulled off a great reaction save from Adam Young following a free kick by captain Leigh Burke. Willand thought they had a good shout for a penalty on 71 minutes as visiting midfielder Ricky Trott appeared to put a hand to a goal bound Rob Norrish shot, but nothing was given. The lively looking Pocock was also denied by a fine save from Perrin between the sticks as his fine turn and shot was pushed away for a corner, although the best option looked to be a square ball to Ansell who had the goal at his mercy. With just 15 minutes to go Croft almost found himself on the score sheet again, only to be denied again by Perrin in goal. A sweetly taken free kick by Shaun Goff found the head of Croft, and his powerful header was snatched off the line at the second attempt by Perrin as the ball crept ever nearer the goal line. The visitors introduced two substitutes with just ten minutes remaining and it was these two who were to have a big influence in the final score line. With just added time left to play Ian Jeffrey and Emilio Menghin ran at the Willand back line causing confusion that resulted in Sam Croft inadvertantly putting the ball in the back of his own net, and in the process gifting the visitors as share of the points. The home side were worth all 3 points on this performance and poor old Sam Croft should not be made scape goat after his fine performance as the problem is the same one as it has been all season for Willand, they need a proven goal scorer to put away they many chances that are being created.

Willand: Cann, McAuley, Hambly, Croft, Hill, Steele, Jee, Norrish(c), Ansell(Woodman 84), Goff, Pocock
Subs: Baily, Patchett(not used)
Booked: Hill 62
Goals: Steele 13, 45 Croft 57

Melksham Town: Perrin, Pawley(Menghin 77), Thorne, Bush(Jeffrey 79), Young, Burke(c), Coleman, Trott, Auckland, Macey, Tindle
Goals: Macey 32, Croft og 90

Star Man: Paul Pocock (Willand Rovers)