Street Win top of the table clash to surge 15 points clear
Street secured their 21st league win on the bounce as they put in a performance of the highest quality to beat 2nd place Bradford Town and increase their lead at the top of the Western League Premier Division. It was arguably Street's most complete display of the season and manager Rich Fey and his assistant Nath Rudge would of been delighted by the individual and collective performance of the players.
The opening period was a tight affair, both teams giving little away. Street slowly grew into the game, Steve Murray brought a good save with a stinging drive, Dave O'Hare found the side netting from an excellent Lewis Tasker cross and Craig Herrod couldn't quite get his feet right after latching onto another Tasker pass. At the other end Ross McErlain was putting in a towering performance at the heart of the Street defence and with Ben Amghar the perfect foil Bradford's lone striker Sam Jordan cut an isolated figure as the home team put put in a series of long passes without great affect.
Street took the lead just after the half hour mark when they won a free kick out on the left and a whipped delivery towards goal by Josh Wadham saw the unfortunate GK palm the ball into the net whilst attempting to punch clear. Moments later Street nearly increase their lead but a looped Murray header dropped just over the bar as the GK failed to deal with a ball into the box. The hosts had their best spell of possession before the break with Karim Rendell shooting high and wide and Dan Cottle had two efforts blocked as Tom Punchard remained fairly untroubled in the Street goal. The half ended with a flurry of bookings and feisty challenges as Street were able to go in 1-0 up at the break.
The second half started with Street having the lions share of possession, with Aidan Chainey and Lewis Hogg turning over possession time and time again in the middle of the Street midfield as Street searched for that all important next goal. Before the hour mark that goal came as O'Hare made a brilliant break from the half way line going past his marker and with another defender closing in he slipped in an on rushing Herrod to the left of him who made no mistake despite the keeper's best efforts with the ball rolling over the line.
Street were content to hold firm for the next 20 minutes and happy to knock the ball around to the frustration of the Bradford players as they made a number of rash challenges. The introduction of Harry Foster helped Street seal the points, with 10 minutes left on the clock he latched onto a McErlain ball down the left hand channel burst past his marker and as he cut into the box the GK rushed out to take him down. Josh Wadham made no mistake from the spot to score his 8th goal in the last 7 games, a fine return for the in form wide man. Jake Mawford nearly made it 4 on the stroke of full time but he blazed over following more good work from Foster.
Man of the match was Ross McErlain congratulated by manager Rich Fey.
Next up for the Cobblers is a break from league action as they welcome Cribbs in the quarter final of the Les Phillips Cup this coming Saturday. Match preview on line tomorrow.
UP THE COBBS!