06.11.2007 Street v Willand Rovers

Match: Street v Willand Rovers

Result: 3-1 home win

Date: Tuesday 6th November 2007.

Competition: Toolstation Western League Premier

Venue: The Tannery Ground, Street

Weather: Chilly

Conditions: Good

Crowd: 85

Ground Appearance: Good

Referee: Paul Brown, Taunton

Tuesdays game away at struggling Street was, to most observers a chance for Willand to get back on track and gain a welcome three points after the hosts 8-0 weekend thrashing away at the hands of Truro City, but despite controlling the opening half hour it was the 'Rovers who found themselves behind on 32 minutes. A crunching tackle on Gary McAuley by Dave Pople left the Willand man on the ground and the rest of the team appealing at the referee for a free-kick. As the home side continued with the game the Willand team were stood like statues as Simon Gale put the ball through to Marcus Butler, who with only Nathan Whatley to beat made no mistake with a clinical finish from the edge of the area. Eight minutes later an uncharacteristic error by Simon Hill presented Street reserve team player Matt Blackmore with the chance to make it 2-0 before the break. An aimless punt upfield by Street saw Hill try and head the ball back to Whatley, but he was unaware of the presence of Blackmore who nipped in and slot the ball past the unfortunate 'keeper. Danny Baily, just back from injury himself, replaced David Hambly just before the break and his attacking style was just what was needed to liven up the game. Another attacking minded player in Ian Patchett was introduced after half time, this time for the injured Shaun Goff as Willand looked to pull a goal back early doors. They did produce two efforts on the hour mark with Phil Everett heading against the post following a Russell Jee corner, and a mazy run by Baily set up leading scorer James Ansell who fluffed an easy chance from close range before Street wrapped the game up 20 minutes from time with their third goal. As Willand pushed forward they were caught out with a ball over the top of the defence allowing Danny Mira to chip the ball over Whatley for the best goal of the night. Willand did get on the scoresheet with 15 minutes remaining, Paul Pocock winning a tame looking penalty which was put away by the ever reliable David Steele from the spot.

Willand: Whatley, McAuley, Hambly(Bailey 39), Everett, Hill, Steele, Goff(Patchett 46), Norrish(c), Ansell(Beech 71), R Jee, Pocock
Goals: Steele 75

Street: Dix, Amghar, Radcliffe, Mira, Ashton, Pople, Palmer, Butler, Gale, Blackmore, M Pople
Subs: Clifford-Jones, Lambert, White
Goals: Butler 32, Blackmore 40, Mira 69

Star Man: Matt Blackmore (Street)