DONT MENTION THE ... PENALTY!

Marston Saints Res 2 - 1 Freeland Res

In this top of the table clash Freeland can count themselves highly unlucky not to have come away with a well deserved point after some contentious refereeing decisions spoiled what should have been a great advert for the league.

The game started at a high tempo, but lacked any real clear cut chances as neither side wanted to give anything away. Marston gave Freeland no time on the ball in the final third, putting in some strong physical challenges. Despite this Freeland were patient in their approach and tried to stick to their usual short passing tactics.

"Glastonbury leapt like a very large salmon inside the box and was pushed over while in the air "

Midfield general James Lambert was at the heart of most of Freeland???s attacking play, linking up well with strikers Salter and Glastonbury. Freeland were then dealt a blow when Glastonbury leapt like a very large salmon inside the box and was pushed over while in the air, the ref blew his whistle and Freeland thought they had a penalty only for the referee to decide that it should be an indirect free kick, which Freeland promptly wasted.

It got worse when ten minutes later when the ref made another howler when he awarded a penalty against defender Sam Symonds, after the ball rebounded off his leg and brushed his hand. Marston striker Johnson gratefully accepted the gift as he slotted away the penalty despite keeper Leach getting a hand to the ball.

"Freeland equalized through left winger Scroggs with a moment of pure magic"

Freeland started the stronger of the two in the second half, and sub Gilkes was looking lively upfront, and it eventually told when Freeland equalized through left winger Scroggs with a moment of pure magic after Gilkes cross found Scroggs who scored with an audacious over-head kick.

After that it seemed the game would be heading for a fair share of the spoils, until a defensive mix up led to Marstons Wise pouncing and scrambling the ball past keeper Leach. Despite sustained pressure and Freelands gung ho last ten minutes, they could not find an equaliser.

It was harsh on Freeland, who deserved a point out of the game, but unfortunately they were left to rue some poor refereeing decisions which cost them a valuable point.