The Sheers maintained their home form making it 7 matches unbeaten in league & cup matches with this win despite winning in bizarre circumstances.
Sheers controlled the opening 15 minutes commanding all the play with the Badshot Lea sitting back in defence. However on 19 minutes the visitors took the lead with a ball through the Sheers defence who were left appealing for offside as Brandon Vangrove who continued and raced on to round the Sheers keeper to put the visitors in front. Sheers responded and started to make chances with Tommy Whitby cutting in to shoot on target that keeper Cody saved at the near post on 21 minutes. A minute later from a free kick on the edge of the Baggies area Sheers Harvey Valter’s shot hits the foot of the post. On 30 minutes from a Sheers corner Razza Ajibola blazes the ball over the bar when the ball comes out to him in a perfect position for a good chance. On 40 minutes from a Sheers corner by Tommy Whitby, Mekhail McLaughlin just missus a chance to head home. On 47 minutes Sheers Aiden Larkin sends a ball away to George Mackie on route on goal that the Baggies keeper Cody comes out to block the shot. Sheers end the half a goal down despite having the better chances and overall better possession of the ball but a mistake at the back led to the Baggies goal. HT 0-1
The Sheers got back on level terms in the first minute of the second half from Alfie Burton’s perfect ball into the Baggies box that reaches Harvey Valter who smashes the ball into the Baggies net. The Baggies respond with Stan Jones feeding Luis Hamlin who shoots wide of the Sheers goal. Baggies keeper Cody makes a good save from Sheers Harvey Valter and Harvey Valter again goes close with a shot that goes over the Baggies bar. Sheers Whitby is denied equally by the Baggies keeper Cody. Sheers Razza Ajibola has another chance to score but lofts the ball over the Baggies bar. Baggies no11 Stan Jones goes close with a header after a free kick. Sheers Callum Mackie’s slide rule shot is saved by Baggies keeper Cody. In the closing stages Sheers Aiden Larkin’s shot goes just wide of the Baggies post.
The Sheers winner comes in uncertain & bizarre terms in added time when the Baggies keeper goes for a quick kick out that hits the retreating Sheers player Aiden Larkin in the box who is around 10 yards away who is quick to get the ball and shoots into the Baggies net. Despite the assistant’s flag and the mounted player appeals on referee Nathan Parrin he decides that the goal stands after consulting with the assistant referee. The moment left the Baggies fuming along with their supporters which was a shame as the match was a hard fought battle by both sides.
D. Churchwell, C. Mackie, D. Watts, G. Mackie, B. Portbury, H. Valter (E. Okakpu 75), T. Whitby (D. Boyden 75) R. Ajibola, M. McLaughlin, A. Burton, A. Larkin.
F. Bailey, E. Leeks, C. Adams