Salisbury FC 0 Marine 2

MATCH REPORT

by Brian Davis (Media & Press Officer)
Lee Spalding’s side put together one of their most comprehensive performances in his two years in charge as two second half goals from Harry Williams won them the “Wiltshire Derby” at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Campbell had an excellent chance but headed wide in the first half
© Jeff Youd Photography

The White’s started the better side and from a Lewis Benson corner they saw a goal-bound effort cleared to safety. Harry Williams then almost pounced on some sloppy play by the Salisbury back four, but his first touch was just to strong and Liam Armstrong was just able to get ahead of him inside the area to gather at the striker’s feet.

Ryan Campbell’s diving header flies past the wrong side of the post
© Jeff Youd Photography

Just past the midway point of the first half the hosts had their only two real chances of the game as from an Armstrong punt downfield, Dan Fitchett got on the end of it to force Martin Horsell into pushing the effort over for a corner. From the corner Nathaniel Osemi saw his header cleared off the line by Louis Spalding and as Marine hit them on the counter attack, Conor McDonagh broke into the box but couldn’t quite get into a position to get a shot away before being dispossessed. Marine should have gone one up when Ryan Campbell (pictured above) headed Harry Williams cross wide at the back post with a diving effort and Armstrong was on hand to save low from Henry Spalding.

HT: 0-0

Almost straight from the kick-off in the second half, Marine took the game to their Wiltshire hosts, who were possibly spurred on by the hosts turning off the power and heating in the changing rooms and McDonagh dragged an effort across the face of goal and the lead finally arrived four minutes after the break when Williams picked up the ball following a fine passing move and created some space for himself on his right foot before hitting a low effort into the far corner past Armstrong.

Harry Williams beats Salisbury full-back Jacob Warrell to fire home his first goal
© Jeff Youd Photography

Salisbury forced a couple of corners and from the second Spalding’s team hit them with a superb counter attacking goal. The ball was cleared to Harry Williams who took a touch and with Armstrong caught in two minds, looked up and chipped it into the back of the net from 30 yards to joyous scenes in the away end as players and fans celebrated together. Armstrong then denied Campbell’s know effort, before Jamie Edge curled a free kick over the bar from 20 yards.

Harry Williams gets away from Salisbury defender Tom Leak to lob second goal
© Jeff Youd Photography

It should have been three, when Henry Spalding saw his effort cleared off the line with Campbell also having an effort blocked from in front of the line with ten minutes remaining. Salisbury pushed forward in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the game, but rarely threated the well-drilled Supermarine back five who completely eliminated the home side’s goal threats, whilst Edge and Hooper bossed the midfield, showed more creativity on the flanks through Campbell and Spalding and were more clinical in front of goal.

FT: 0-2
Att: 650

POST MATCH FROM LEE SPALDING

Given Salisbury’s previous status in the now National League, Saturday’s win marked the exceptional job Spalding has done at the Webbswood Stadium, and the modest boss even dished out some worthy praise to his players after the final whistle by highlighting the importance of the complete team performance that he witnessed.

Spalding said: “Salisbury is a big club and have aspirations to get back up into the National League, and Steve Claridge has a good side. “For us to go there and put on a performance like we did, especially in the second, made us the better team. We could’ve scored five, so I was delighted with the performance. “Every single member of the team was outstanding – it was a proper team performance where every player earned an eight or nine out of 10.

“I’ve been looking for a clean sheet because we’ve conceded a few sloppy goals in the previous three or four games. To keep a clean sheet was massive, and you can see we’ve got goals in us in addition to creative players in midfield. “I can’t point out individuals, Saturday was about the team and how everyone applied themselves.”

It would seem Spalding can rely more on his squad depth this season compared to previous years. Should proven striker Conor McDonagh experience a rare weekend off, Harry Williams is often there to take his place. Then there are midfielders Brad Hooper and Henry Spalding to look towards also, among others. He added: “Our depth makes a difference, and we’re definitely a threat from set pieces – our two centre halves come up that are good at attacking the ball and have a goal in them.

“The two wide players have an eye for a goal as well. That’s partly why we brought Charlie Griffin. “The more goals we’ve got in us, the more likely we are to win games. It’s my job to look at what we’re doing defensively. “If we keep clean sheets, I’m confident we’ll do well and win more games than we’ll lose.”

GOAL CAM

from Brian Davis(Media & Press Officer)

1st goal Harry Williams 50m
2nd goal Harry Williams 54m

MATCH VIDEO

Highlights

Video Courtesy of Your Sport Swindon

MATCH GALLERY

Match Photo’s
© Jeff Youd Photography

MATCH STATISTICS

SALISBURY FC
Manager: Steve Claridge
Line-up: 1. Liam Armstrong 2. Kevin Amankwaah (c) (16. Lewis Clutton 55m) 3. Jacob Wannell 4. Ollie Knowles 5. Tom Leak 6. Nathan Oseni 7. Bay Downing 8. Lewis Benson 9. Dan Fitchett (12. Toby Holmes 55m) 10. Owen Howe 11. Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick
Subs not used: 13. Marcus Beauchamp [GK] 14. Warren Bentley 17. Dan Young
Goalscorers: None
Star Man: Lewis Benson
Cards:
Bay Downing 90m

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SWINDON SUPERMARINE
Manager: Lee Spalding
Line-up: 1. Martin Horsell 2. Louis Spalding 3. Michael Hopkins 4. Jamie Edge 5. Matt Williams 6. Mat Liddiard (c) 7. Henry Spalding 8. Brad Hooper (15. Joe Shepherd 73m) 9. Harry Williams (12. Stuart Fleetwood 85m) 10. Conor McDonagh 11. Ryan Campbell
Subs not used: 14. Matt Coupe 16. Josh Hill [GK]
Goalscorers: Harry Williams 50m, 54m
Star Man: Mat Liddiard
Cards:
Louis Spalding 61m, Conor McDonagh 69m, Joe Shepherd 78m, Jamie Edge 80m,

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MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: James Robinson
Assistant Referees: Michael Ballard, Lewis Ward