Street progress in FA Cup
A typical end to end cup tie that was full of tackles, talking points, goals and drama but ultimately it was Street that progressed to the next round of the FA Cup at the expense of Willand Rovers and on the balance of play it was the right result.
A much changed line up from the win at Larkahall in mid week due to injuries and unavailability with Leigh Bailey, Ed Butcher and Phil Ormrod coming into the starting XI.
First chance went to Street after only 5 minutes when Ormrod collected a long pass to hold off and turn his marker superbly but his driven effort went straight at the GK. On 11 minutes a big moment in the game as the Willand Striker sprung the off side trap but Tom Punchard in the Street goal came off his line and saved superbly to deny the hosts an opening goal.
Street had a sustained period of pressure for the next 25 minutes with midfield duo Matt Hurley and Aidan Chainey very influential. The impressive Butcher had a powerful drive beaten away, a slightly off balance Dave O'Hare shot wide from the edge of the box and Street had a strong shout for a penalty waved away when the Willand defender blocked an effort with his arm following one of many Street corners.
The pressure did tell with ten minutes left of the first half when Butcher whipped in a corner from the right and O'Hare rose unmarked to crash his header past the keeper much to the delight of the Cobbler support who were out in force yesterday! Street extended their advantage just before the break when Ormrod controlled a pass into the path of an on rushing Jamie Short who hammered his effort wide of the keeper and into the bottom corner, what a hit!
Straight after half time it was game on as Willand pulled a goal back when Luke Mortimore volleyed in at the near post following a cross from the right.
Street remained positive and kept searching for that third goal which would hopefully kill the game off. Butcher and O'Hare went close on the hour mark with the keeper beating both efforts away. A succession of yellow cards followed as the referee tried to maintain control of a cup tie that was threatening to boil over at times.
The introduction of Lewis Waldy, Harry Foster and Josh Bennett gave Street fresh legs and helped Street calm the game down with Bailey and Ben Amghar having excellent games at the back, it was a lot more comfortable for Street then the score line suggests. Five minutes before the end Foster burst through and was wiped out as he took it round the keeper but to the amazement of both sets of fans the referee waved play on.
Street saw the game out and now look forward to the draw for the next round. Well done boys, Up The Cobbs!
Man of the match Aidan Chainey congratulated by birthday boy James Vickery. (Nice hat James!)