League Play-Off

Melksham Park
Spectators: 38 (Terracing: 29, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) Nathan Reid sent away a hard shot on goal in the 3rd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Norman Davey in the 6thth minute had a little luck and got a chance for a shot in front of the goal. Without hesitation aimed to the right of Vince Clayton, who managed to lunge to the right direction and made a save. After a rather tough play, Sutton on Sea FC's Ryan Fountain got a free kick in the 11th minute. Pierce Eyre showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Jonathan Warrender in the 15th minute of the match. In the 16th minute, Ivan Crocker hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Charlie Nethercoat took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 18th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Vince Clayton. Sutton on Sea FC's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Nathan Reid sent away a hard shot on goal in the 19th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Nathan Reid received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 23rd minute. Pierce Eyre tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Jonathan Warrender sent away a hard shot on goal in the 25th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. The supporters of Sutton on Sea FC booed when Melksham was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 26 match minutes in a wonderful position. Freddy Baxter didn't get a good kick on the ball. Sutton on Sea FC's Nathan Reid got a good chance for a goal in the 31st minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Nathan Reid in the 35th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Pierce Eyre saved Melksham from getting behind. When Sutton on Sea FC's Jonathan Warrender in the 39th minute got a chance for a shot 39th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Melksham's goalie prevented a goal. Jonathan Warrender received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 40th minute. Pierce Eyre tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Melksham's Pierce Eyre played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Nathan Reid in the 45th minute of play. After the first half the score was level. The break gave the players a chance to catch their breath, whilst the managers went over the tactics with them again.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Jonathan Warrender stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Melksham's Pierce Eyre proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 56th minute of the match, managed to save Melksham from getting a goal against them. Vince Clayton came out of the goal in the 58th minute to try and stop a shot by Melksham's Fitz Davies. But to his dismay, Fitz Davies quickly shot the ball in between his legs and into the goal making it 1-0. In the 61st minute the ball was on its way in behind Melksham's goalkeeper Pierce Eyre, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. Norman Davey fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 68th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vince Clayton having to interfere. Nathan Reid's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Pierce Eyre read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 72nd minute of play. Nathan Reid sent away a hard shot on goal in the 76th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Jonathan Warrender in the 78th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Pierce Eyre saved Melksham from getting behind. Norman Davey fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 79th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vince Clayton having to interfere. After a defensive mix-up in Sutton on Sea FC's zone, Fitz Davies stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Vince Clayton came out of the goal and Fitz Davies tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Melksham's fans were exulted and cheered after their team won in a match that could easily have gone the other way.