KENTISBEARE SECONDS 3

SPREYTON 3

IN a top of the table class on Saturday, March 23, Spreyton FC had to share the points for the second time this season. Although Saturday’s fixture was a good but also tense watch from the sidelines, seeing six goals scored, with a couple being belters. Both sides really got at each other and put on a decent game.

Barely two minutes into the game and a poor touch bringing the ball down from one of the Spreyton defenders saw Max Atifah through one-on-one with the ‘keeper, a well-placed shot gifted the home side with a quick goal. Unlucky maybe but a bad start for the Spreys. 1-0.

No more than two minutes after the restart, Liam Ward picked up the ball outside the box to unleash a dipping shot that lobbed the ‘keeper and crept under the bar to level the scores, 1-1.

Only four minutes gone and it was clear both sides had to show each other a little more respect, both being clinical at either end with one chance apiece.

Both sides were feeling each other out for the next 20 or so minutes while trying not to give anything away. This period saw both sides picking up a yellow card each.

With 28 minutes gone, Jamie Hatch spotted a good 30-yard ball, coming down for Chris Down to hit it half volley looping over the approaching ‘keeper. A good goal on the eye put the Spreys in the lead, 1-2.

Only a few minutes later bad organisation between the Spreys ‘keeper and defence resulted in the ball scrambling loose across the box, Max was quick to pounce again with a back heel finding the corner of the net. Scores level again, 2-2.

With 11 minutes remaining before half-time now ‘keeper Jordan Rowe was clearly aggrieved with what he saw as a bad challenge against him talked himself into the sin bin, Ko King taking one for the team and gloving up for 10 minutes.

Today’s referee Brian Reeby made sure he stamped his authority on the game right from the first whistle and wasn’t letting up any time soon.

Half-time arrived with both sides level at 2-2.

Fifty minutes in produced a good save from the Kent’s ‘keeper denying Cam Pow from a goal. A few minutes later it was Jordan Rowe pulling off a decent save and good defending from Will Hawks cleaning up and playing out of defence clearing any trouble.

Another five minutes later Jordan saved a one-on-one shot keeping the game alive for the Spreys.

At 68 minutes the ref blew the whistle awarding the away team a penalty. Chris Down stepped up as usual but didn’t get the cleanest of strikes, Kinsey followed up though to put the Spreys in the lead again, 2-3.

On 72 minutes Kinsey put his body on the line to block a shot in the box that was goal-bound.

With 15 minutes until the final whistle the Spreys conceded a free kick to the side of the box. A good ball whipped in saw an unfortunate Ben Angel head for a corner only for it to find the back of the net. An own goal to bring the scores back level, 3-3.

The next 15 minutes saw both teams going all out on the hunt for the big three points. Chances at either end but no decider to be seen today. Full time, 3-3.

Man Of The Match for the Spreys was a tough one but is awarded to Steve Kinsey for putting in a solid shift, scoring and preventing a goal along with some crunching tackles.

A big thanks to Kentisbeare for being good hosts and giving the Spreys a good hard game.

Kentisbeare and Spreyton walking away still unbeaten keeps the title hopes alive for both sides.