United edge a tightly contested local derby
NAILSEA TOWN 0 NAILSEA UNITED 1
07-04-2012
League leaders Nailsea United travelled the short distance to neighbours Nailsea Town for the local derby. United were looking to complete the double over Town to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
The first scoring opportunity fell to United's Stuart Lee who shot over the bar from an Alex Goodwin corner after 5 minutes. Three minutes later Town headed over from a similar position. The play was even with Steve Lester failing to beat the Town keeper with a header.
On the 20 minute mark Town broke down the right only to see United keeper Scott Kendall save well from a fiercely hit shot. With United beginning to turn the screw James Taylor was unlucky to see his headed effort from a Matt Long corner strike a Town defender on the line. With two minutes of the first half remaining a Long free kick was gathered at the second attempt by the Town custodian.
No goals at half time with both sides having the opportunity to take the lead.
Town started the second half slightly the stronger and nearly took the lead after just 3 minutes when a free kick was pushed onto the bar by Kendall before being scrambled to safety. This was the wakeup call that United required with a hooked shot by Matt Long being cleared off the Town line following a passage of flowing football.
It was then United that had to clear off the line to keep the score unchanged. United were now presenting problems for the Town defence and capitalised on 60 minutes to take the lead. A good move saw the ball at the feet of Matt Long who knew exactly what was required to send a sublime ball over the Town defence for Jim Lee run onto. You knew that there would be only one outcome with the Town keeper advancing the
league top scorer calmly lobbed the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. A fine goal to round off a great move.
On 65 minutes Stuart Lee volleyed the ball just over from an Alex Goodwin corner as United sought to double their advantage. Ten minutes later Matt Long sent a powerful shot just over the bar. United then showed the depth of their squad with Harry Hope replacing Matt Long and Rob Brown replacing James Taylor.
Finally with the referee looking at his watch Steve Lester slid Alex Goodwin in behind the static Town defence only to see his shot go agonisingly just the wrong side of the far post.
Another three points in the bag for a United side that could not quite get into top gear but this was enough to keep their title aspirations well on track. In particular the defensive back four were outstanding safe in the knowledge that the dependable Scott Kendall was his usual assured self in goal.
Next week Saturday April 14th Nailsea United are at home in the semi finals of the League Cup when they entertain Frome Collegians. Kick Off 2.30PM
