Last gasp winner seals a classic comeback (From Gazette Series)

Last gasp winner seals a classic comeback

12:00pm Friday 17th September 2004 in Sport

GLS Hellenic League Premier Division Slimbridge 3 Wantage Town 2

SLIMBRIDGE left it late to secure another three points, but visitors Wantage Town, last season's Division One East champions and fancied by some to make a big impression in the Hellenic Premier, gave them an almighty fright.

Conceding two goals in the first six minutes through Adam Giles and an unfortunate own goal from promising defender Jamie Inch, Slimbridge fought back with second half goals from a Ross Casey penalty, Matt Green, and a last gasp winner from the industrious Rich Moore.

As they were taking the pitch, a squally shower greeted the players and lasted for about ten minutes, during which time the Wantage side took initial control of the proceedings. In the first minute, Pete Broad floated a long freekick into the Slimbridge box for Adam Giles to nod in and give the visitors the lead.

Playing one touch football with great aplomb the hosts were suddenly two down in six minutes. Broad put in a freekick from the far edge of the area and in trying to clear, Inch headed straight into his own net past a bemused Ryan Chandler.

Slimbridge were teetering, and although Chandler was never to be seriously tested again, skipper Andy Pritchett and his defence were having to work hard to gradually turn the tide, with Giles and Jamie Mills looking particularly dangerous in the first half hour.

Ross Casey, Mike Green and Jon Embling visibly grew in confidence as the half progressed, but it took 38 minutes before the home side managed a serious shot on goal, Julian Freeman setting up Casey, whose low drive was well saved by Paul Belcher in the visitors goal. Two minutes later, Matt Green crossed for Embling to get forward at the far post and net, but a linesman's flag ruled out the effort.

What manager Doug Gray said at half time certainly had an effect as Slimbridge came out and surged forward with great vigour. On 50 minutes, Belcher only parried a shot and Matt Green was pulled down by the goalkeeper in attempting to reach the ball. Casey slotted home the resultant spot-kick, sending Belcher the wrong way.

Rich Evans, on after the interval to add some attacking width, and Freeman, both had shots saved before Craig Cole put through Matt Green and was promptly bundled over in the visitors box on 68 minutes. This time Belcher guessed correctly, and made a solid save from Casey's second spot-kick of the afternoon. Nine minutes from time, Slimbridge were back on level terms. Freeman's flying header from yet another Evans cross was only parried to an on-rushing Matt Green who netted the rebound.

As the minutes ticked away it looked like Slimbridge would have to settle for a draw, but in the third minute of added time, Moore pounced for a dramatic winner. Having been camped in the Wantage half for some five minutes or so, the visitors were getting jittery, failed to clear a corner, and paid a price for Moore to back-head the loose ball past a wrong-footed Belcher.

There was just enough time for Gavin Jones to receive a second caution of the match for protesting too loudly to the referee about the goal and unfortunately had to depart from the action.

A second half showing full of character from Slimbridge, who maintained their good run, but Wantage certainly played their part in a dramatic game that they so very nearly got something out of. Post match, manager Doug Gray admitted his side had 'got out of jail today, but I thought we deserved it for our second half dominance, but it was a sloppy start for sure'.

Slimbridge: R Chandler, L Sterling, J Embling, A Pritchett, Mike Green, R Moore, Matt Green, R Casey, J Freeman, C Cole (J Ackland 74), J Inch (R Evans 45).

On Saturday, September 18, Slimbridge are again at home and entertain Bicester Town, Kick-off 3.00pm, but take to the road on Wednesday, September 22, for another Premier Division match at Pewsey Vale, Kick-off 7.30pm.