Wadham at the double as Street win top of the table clash
A crowd of over 200 came out to see this clash between the top two in the Western League Premier Division and Street put in a first class performance to record a fine 2-0 victory over Willand Rovers. Josh Wadham was the hero with two goals which maintained the Cobblers 10 point advantage with 11 games left to play.
A cagey start to the game which reflected the importance of the result to both teams with neither getting a foothold in the game in the early stages. The outstanding form of Ben Amghar and Ross McErlain kept Willand attacks to a minimum as Street started to dominate proceedings as the half wore on. A fine Lewis Tasker cross on 20 minutes was close to being converted by the hard working Steve Murray but was inches away from making contact. Matt Hurley was first to test the visiting keeper with a rasping drive from the edge of the box on 38 minutes which was brilliantly tipped round the post, which signaled a succession of Street corners as the pressure grew on the away defence. A chance out of nothing saw Street take a deserved just lead before half time as Wadham nicked the ball off the unfortunate Willand defender, attacked the goal at pace before smashing his effort into the corner. .
If Street edged the first half the second half was a performance of complete dominance and showed why the Cobblers have now won their last 19 games. As they have been all season Hurley and Aidan Chainey were in dominant form in the heart of the Street midfield snapping into every tackle and keeping possession as Street looked for that second goal which on the balance of play would of made it difficult for Willand to recover from. That goal nearly came on the hour mark when a good interchange between the impressive Jake Mawford and Tasker saw Wadham strike the bar from close range.
On 70 minutes the biggest cheer of the night came when Street did score their second and final goal of the game. Wadham picked up the ball on the right hand side and raced past his marker and a clever run by Murray allowed him the time and space to drive to the edge of the box and fire a strike into the far corner. With ten minutes left Mawford curled a delightful effort just wide on the angle, Murray's snap shot was well saved moments later and McErlain's thumping header struck the top of the cross bar following a corner. Lewis Hogg was using his experience to help see the game out as tackles from both teams starting flying in during the closing stages.
A comprehensive display from Rich Fey's men which included some fine individual performances to claim a fully deserved 3 points. Man of the match was Josh Wadham seen here being presented a bottle of wine by match sponsor and club secretary Rich Palette.
A minutes silence for life long Cobbler fan Derrick Whitcombe was immaculately observed by both sets of players and supporters before the game, our condolences go out to all Derrick's friends and family he will be sorely missed at the Tannery Ground.
Next up is derby day as Street welcome local rivals Shepton Mallet this coming Saturday.