Result And Match Report from Kimberley Stadium: Saltash United 2-0 Bovey Tracey

[Robbo5]

A GOAL IN EACH HALF from set piece plays gave Saltash a comfortable 2-0 victory over a lackluster Bovey Tracey who couldn't cope with the velocity of play from their opponents. Bovey Tracey will come away from Kimberley Stadium somewhat flattered as the score could of been higher if not for some late blocks and 'keeper Aaron Ibbetson's saves in one of one situations; the young 'keeper retaining his place between the sticks, Tom Brooks on the bench.

It could of been 2-0 to Saltash in the first 3 minutes. The first attack coming after Bovey played back to their own goal straight from kick off and Sam Hughes gathering the ball 20 yards out could of shot early but instead beat Ibbetson before a weak shot was sliced away by 16-year old Jake Welch. Ross Saint then brought a save from Ibbetson as the Bovey defence looked shaky.

Saltash played quality passes across the field, demonstrating their same quality expressed by Bovey Manager Ryan German in the previous match between the sides. Hughes and Saint linked up well up front with Coulton receiving the ball freely from both to create opportunities.

The next chance fell to Saltash on 6 minutes. Coulton's strike from 15 yards saved and out for a corner. Hughes was flagged offside after a short corner was crossed into the box too late. Kai Fisher blocked a low cross from Hughes after being played wide by Stuart Clark.

12 minutes it took before Bovey caused Saltash problems. A corner for the Moorlanders after good play between Dicken and Walters was unable to find a target and Saltash broke away. Coulton hit the post as Bovey retained the ball and carried on playing it into danger with fewer options up front and improvement needed on the final ball.

At 0-0 midway through the half despite not showing the quality they possess, Bovey were happy with the scoreline. Saltash made a sub midway into the game, Dimitri Kanaki replacing Matt Cusack who looked to have problems with an akle from a challenge. Bovey's first attempt on goal fell to Lewis Plackett; the midfielder making a wide run, beating his man but only striking the outside of the right post from a bouncing ball.

Referee Ian Loader, who took charge of Bovey 's midweek game booked Plackett for a late tackle on Kanaki. Saltashs' free kick was collected by Head whose long ball to Cliff Walters was superbly controlled, Walters beating Sargison to the touchline forcing a corner. Again no ball winner challenging Saltash. Bovey gave the ball away needlessly in the final 15 minutes as German and Hunt were becoming frustrated.

Saltash again showing passing and movement quality made the breakthrough on 36 minutes when Hughes reacted first from a corner on the near side. Two minutes later a second goal could of been scored. Toby Clark made an excellent run from the back and Lee Pascoe tripped the defender and Loader awarded the penalty. From the spot, the responsibility fell with Ross Saint but Ibbetson guessed right to keep it 1-0. Saint should of done better.

Dicken won a free kick for Bovey outside the penalty area, but the idea Bovey showed to try and convert the set piece looked dreadful and not even a shot on the goal came of it. Nathan Murphy, quiet for most of the half was then penalised for handling the ball from a floating pass back from Stuart Clark. A free kick from 5 yards right of goal was blocked after the Saltash wall stood firm before Loader blew for half time.

German and Hunt were not impressed and showed their frustration giving the starting eleven a strong talking too. Bovey came out in the second half with more determination and desire.

Saltash won a free kick a minute into the second half after two Bovey defenders went for the same free ball, one fouling Saint on his way through.

Roe held up well for the Bovey midfield to play off him as Walters and Dicken linked well. Liam Head provided a decent cross to find an attacker but no-one was available. 10 minutes later Toby Clark headed over from Ross Saint's corner.

Saltash made a sub on 63, Oscar Bennett's on. (Not sure who was replaced off). Lee Pascoe headed over from Liam Head's cross and Dicken followed by shooting wide left of goal.

Bovey made a change on 66, Tom Arnold replacing Head. Saltash also made a change, Coulton off, Aaron Cusack on.

On 73 minutes Saltash got their second goal which killed off any chance of Bovey getting a point from the game. Kanaki held up play well on the left corner and was fouled from behind. He received the pass on the left wing and Lewis Russell headed in from 7 yards after Toby Clark headed back across goal.

Another change for Bovey 15 minutes from time, 3rd team striker Jordan Blackmore on for Roe.

10 minutes from time Ibbetson saved from Saint as Bovey made their last sub 2 minutes from time, Dabbs on for Walters. With time running out Bovey couldn't create many chances and Saltssh comfortable with the win, although unlucky not to have won by more.

It's back to the drawing board for Ryan German as Bovey face St Blazey next Saturday.

Referee: Ian Loader

Assistants: Paul Rugman and Trevor Walker

Attendance: NN

Man of the Match: Sam Hughes

Saltash United

1. Nathan Murphy

2. Stuart Clark

3. Steve Sargison

4. Toby Clark

5. Lewis Russell

6. Matt Godfree

7. Sam Farrant

8. Gavin Couton (Cusack 66)

9. Sam Hughes

10. Ross Saint

11. Matt Cusack (Kanaki 23)

Subs

12. Dimitri Kanaki

14. Danny Zallick

15. Oscar Bennetts (came on 63 for ?)

16. Aaron Cusack

Bovey Tracey

1. Aaron Ibbetson

2. Cliff Walters (Dabbs 88)

3. Lewis Plackett (booked 29)

4. Lee Pascoe

5. Kai Fisher

6. Dejan Maric

7. Liam Head (Arnold 66)

8. Jake Welch

9. Hayden Roe (Blackmore 75)

10. Sam Dicken

11. Dan Taylor

Subs

12. Tom Arnold

13. Tom Brooks

14. Scott Dabbs

15. Jordan Blackmore