Memorable win is a real boost for Wotton (From Gazette Series)

Memorable win is a real boost for Wotton

Wotton-under-Edge 5 Bristol Indians 4

AN UNDERSTRENGTH Wotton side, without a regular goalkeeper, completed a remarkable comeback in hauling back a 4-1 deficit to gain victory over Bristol Indians last week.

Wotton competed well in the first 25 minutes with midfield duo Ward and Davies keeping Bristol Indians' two National League players quiet. At the back Rich Stump marshalled his defence well and Tim Saunderson was revelling in the freedom the Wotton defence gave the big centre back.

Indians gained a lead with two well-worked goals that gave stand-in keeper Gary Davis no chance, although a scrappy goal at the end of the first half through Price kept the Blues in touching distance.

The start of the second period saw Indians extend their lead, and at 4-1 they looked to be heading for a comfortable win, despite Wotton having two efforts cleared off the line.

With 15 minutes remaining Saunderson ventured upfield for his first goal in five years and new signing from Lydney HC Ryan Howarth then scored a wonderful short corner to make the score respectable.

In a dramatic finale, 15-year-old Ally Hammond levelled the scores before Howarth added another to give Wotton an unlikely lead.

The astonished Indians team then lifted their game only for Davis to pull off three outstanding saves from short corners, securing a memorable win.