Substitutes make the difference (From Gazette Series)

Substitutes make the difference

Stroud League Division Three Cam Bulldogs Res 4 Alkerton Rangers 1

TWO second half substitutions by Cam manager Rob Owen paid dividends as his side hit Alkerton with a late flurry of goals.

Substitutes Matt McNulty and Lawrence Smith struck a goal apiece to help their side to only their fifth league victory of the season.

Rob Birch had given the Bulldogs a 15th minute lead when he finished well after Pete Attwooll had beaten three players on the edge of the box. The home side looked like dominating the game at that point but gradually lost momentum and conceded an equaliser five minutes before half-time.

Andy Roberts was penalised for shirt pulling in the box and Rangers pulled level from the spot.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead midway through the second half but the ball went inches wide and Cam made the most of the let off.

Fifteen minutes from time, McNulty put the Bulldogs 2-1 up when he headed Attwooll's corner in at the far post.

Birch added a third five minutes later with a terrific shot that curled over the goalkeeper.

The result was put beyond doubt five minutes from time when Roberts' purposeful run set up Attwooll to round the goalkeeper and his square pass was converted via the crossbar by Smith.