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WHC Ds v Llanishen A - 25th February 2017

Result: WHC Ds [2] Vs Llanishen [1]

Whitchurch D travelled to Llanishen A knowing that a win would secure promotion for them out of the De Cymru 2 League.

The match started at a good pace with both teams looking to take an early lead and control of the game.  Llanishen looked to use home advantage on an average Bedwas pitch, and were unlucky not to open the scoring when they were denied by a combination of tackles between Phil Graham and Andy King.  More opportunities followed for the home team, but Whitchurch continued to frustrate the home team and restrict them to narrow angle shots, easily dealt with by Ben Millard in goal.

Whitchurch took the lead following a well set up 16 yard press being intercepted by Paul Adamson who fed captain David Gray.  Drawing the goal keeper, he then slipped the ball to Karl Davis who slotted past the sole defender on the line to open the scoring.

Early in the second half, Whitchurch lost both Andy King and Tudor Hughes to injury, and Llanishen pressed home their one man advantage to equalise through a long ball deflection.

Fine midfield play from Wayne Robson and Neil Hodge kept Whitchurch on top for long periods of the game.  Phil Blight (vice captain) then spurned three golden opportunities to score, missing two one on one’s with the keeper, and one open goal.

Undetterred, Whitchurch continued to push for a winner and were rewarded with a short corner mid-way through the second half.  The ball was slipped left to David Gray, who flicked the ball goalward.  The defender could only use his thigh to stop the ball on the line, and a penalty stroke was given.  David then stepped up to fire the ball high into the top corner to secure all three points and promotion for Whitchurch during his first season as captain.

Match report written by David Gray [1st March 2017]