S & A Saturday Reserves today took on Broughton Ams Res in the second round of the Lancastrian Brigade cup.
Playing on a heavy pitch they marched into a two goal lead before six minutes had been clocked. Connor Tierney playing his first game since September notching both goals. S & A could have had a penalty on 19 mins when Tierney broke free but was brought down. Firstly a free kick was awarded and secondly the Broughton defender wasn’t even carded even though a red card was the correct decision as he was the last man.
Broughton took advantage of this luck when they scored on 26 mins. S & A struggled from this point on as Broughton’s pacey strikers caused problems. Joe Spooner had to be withdrawn at half time through injury with the returning Sam Pointer taking his place.
Ht : 2-1
S & A who were missing six of their previous line up including goalkeeper Cole Wood and found it difficult to get going in the second half as Broughton equalised on 50 mins. Broughton scored yet again after a dubious free kick was awarded on 62 mins. A lack of concentration allowed Broughton to score easily.
S & A had now gifted all three goals to the opposition as they struggled to create anything going forward.
As things generally weren’t going S & A’s way they had a huge penalty appeal thwarted after Conor Bligh was clearly tripped in the box.
To conclude S & A’s miserable afternoon they once again gave the ball away easily to go 4-2 down.
Sub Dan Thompson making his first appearance of the season grabbed a late goal for S & A but it was all in vain as they were put out of their misery a minute later.
To conclude S & A were missing too many regular players but even though the team gave their all a lack of fitness from several players didn’t help them. A mixture of lads returning from long term injuries and players making their first appearance of the season as the squad was seriously stretched.
Back to league action next week as the team strives to get back on the horse and battle to finish the season on a high.
S & A ‘player of the match’
Connor Tierney for his immediate impact on his return and Will White who had a solid display in midfield.
Ft : 3-4
David Stroud
(Manager)