Premier Division
Pewsey Vale FC 0 Highworth Town 1
Tuesday, 14 January 2003
A 100% committed performance by Pewsey Vale was not good enough to take the points from this match with Highworth Town who hold 4th place in the Premier Division.
Putting behind them the recent events at the club and with the signing of new keeper Dave Hunt from nearby ?Screwfix? Premier side Melksham Town hopes were high at the club to avenge the 3-0 defeat at Highworth on 28th December.
A run on goal by Matty Jack in the first two minutes gave Highworth the chance to go into an early lead but the Vale defence cleared away the danger. Craig Wall was unlucky on the 20th minute when his powerful, 25 yard shot was fumbled by Highworth keeper Steve Hale who managed to claim the ball at the second chance. Hale again denied the Vale when he turned away Tony Dyers header. On the half hour, and against the run of play, the head of Justin Miller put Highworth into the lead. Pewsey continued to look for the equalizer but they were unable to penetrate the Highworth defence.
Half Time: 0-1
Pewsey brought on Andy Olsen for Mark Stevens at the start of the 2nd half and they continued to work hard for that equalising goal. A let off for the Vale came in the 53rd minute when a great cross by Tate Hulbert found Jamie Mills in front of the Vale goal but he headed well over the bar. Shortly after Mark Belcher should have scored but was denied by Olsen. Highworth lost Hulbert with an injury and brought ex-Pewsey Vale player Paul Day. Highworth was lucky, thanks to the referee, not to have been reduced to ten men when keeper Hale handled the ball outside the box. After consulting his assistant the referee spoke to the keeper but took no other action except to award Pewsey Vale a free kick outside the penalty area to the amazement of all the home supporters. Pewsey brought on Tom Ritchie for Richard Pearson on the 68th minute with fresh legs and the twin strike force of Barry Flippance and Wall fought to get back on level terms. With five minutes to go Vale brought on Brian Combellack for Darren Tapper and continued to look for a share of the points. They were again unlucky when the ball flashed across the goalmouth with Highworth?s keeper again getting a hand to it to go for a corner. Highworth held on to their lead to take all three points but with this commitment from the ?home team? players it can only get better for the Vale.
Next Match: Wiltshire Senior Cup, Saturday 18th January Biddestone v Pewsey Vale KO 2.00pm
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