Milford United beat New Hedges Saundersfoot 3-2 in the Quarter Final of the Second Division Cup on Saturday (Feb 28), writes Jonathan Twigg, the match played at a sun drenched Bridge Meadow Stadium as Marble Hall was unplayable.
The Robins, playing towards the Town end were gifted an early opening goal on 4 minutes through Liam Parr, the midfielder capitalised on a mistake from centre half Finlay Hill inside his own six yard box leaving, custodian Sam Franklin helpless.
James Morgan alongside Parr held the sway in the opening period in the middle of the park, full back Ben Lloyd and Joshua Lees the beneficiaries on the right, the pair a strong combination to release skipper Scott Reid and fellow striker Ali Ouzman.
The play from both sides was confident, the ball zipping across the floor and the players first touch a credit to the coaching of both managers, Scott Rutherford of Milford and New Hedges Saundersfoot’s, Simon Brace. It was also noticeable how both goalkeepers were also offensive weapons, Franklin playing on the edge of his box to link play while teenager Charlie Malloy playing much higher to encourage his Milford side to play high and hold the halfway line when defending.
The visitors first chance came on 20 minutes, full back Morgan Broomhall swinging a cross from the left, striker Harvey Drummond making good contact with a header which Malloy confidently claimed. Veteran Wil Goodhall in the centre of defence, alongside Scott Griffiths contained Drummond and his strike companion, Toby Smith, veteran Seasider Richard Bambrick a fulcrum. Drummond, skipper Adam Carlier and Oran Guile all had long range efforts which didn’t trouble Malloy, his full back Lloyd finding his name in Sageston referee Sion Jenkins black book, for a late challenge on Guile on 43 minutes.
As the first half drew towards its conclusion, industrious teenager Joey Jones on the Robins left saw more of the ball, his driving runs ensuring full back Taylor Corkrey was mindful of his defensive duties which curtailed his sides opportunities in transition. Reid and Ouzman remained willing runners, the later unlucky with his mazy dribble not able to set up a team mate as Seasiders Centre Halves, Jon Mansbridge and Hill were equal to the task, with intelligent reading of the game and strong, but fair challenges.
The second half restarted with Reid nearly latching onto a long clearance from his keeper, Malloy’s opposite number Franklin making a one handed save, Ouzman’s pace drawing a foul on 50 minutes from Hill for which he was rightly cautioned by Jenkins, who was masterful in control of the game, using both his voice and whistle to show an empathy for the game and a high level of fitness.
Malloy made an outstanding save on his line under pressure, clawing back Davidson drive after he got the better of Goodhall, the young keeper at full stretch in reaching the ball and brave to ensure he smothered it safely on the goal line, to keep his side in front.
Davies again showed his youthful credentials and pace, the game suiting his play as it opened up, Lees and Reid having half chances under the shadows of Withybush Hospital, as did Davidson and Drummond at the other end.
The equaliser came on the hour, Malloy initially saving again from Davidson who burst through into the danger area, before Smith drove the ricochet into an unprotected net with a crisp strike, Goodhall replaced by Morgan Picton and Lees making way for Liam Davies as Manager Rutherford reacted positively.
Malloy made another point blank save 2 minutes later from Guile, before the game turned when Griffiths made a loose pass which found its way to Davidson who set up Drummond who curled a left foot shot from the edge of the box to nestle in the bottom right of Malloy’s net, the curator beaten at full stretch.
The lead lasted 2 minutes, Reid showing his turn of pace to reach a Morgan through ball before an advancing Franklin, and his left foot chip ending in the net to level the tie, Jenkins reading the increased tempo of the game to caution Carlier for a late challenge on Morgan with 20 minutes to play.
Franklin made a point blank save from Parr, the goalkeeper then denying Jones wicked left foot strike from 15 yards with a one handed save, Brace introducing Finlay Drummond for the Seasiders to replace veteran Bambrick as the game thrust into the final quarter, Parr having another opportunity but unable to convert, Jones tantalising crosses causing concern for the New Hedges defenders, Malloy keen to play route 1 as Reid and Ouzman fought valiantly for the second ball.
Head honcho Brace brought on his son, Taine Brace for Hill, substitute Drummond was carded for upending substitute Davies, both sides committed to their mantra of fast paced attacking play, Reids header correctly ruled out for offside as the game entered into its final 10 minutes, with Mansbridge unable to keep his header from a corner under the crossbar at the Town end.
A double Robins substitution saw Jack Dyer replace Ouzman and Lloyd giving way for Josh Smart, man of the match Parr making it 3-2 a minute later as he picked up a Reid pass 35 yards from goal and ran with purpose into the box, holding off a strong Mansbridge challenge to bury a left foot shot under Franklin, as he narrowed the angle.
With time running out Jack Franklin was thrown into the amphitheatre for Broomhall, Reid showing his experience to lead the play deep into the corners, Saundersfoot forced to rebuild from deep as Griffiths and Morgan defended their 18 yard line, Carlier having a speculative left foot drive from 30 yards which didn’t trouble Malloy.
The game ended for Carlier has he received a second caution for a late challenge and a red card, Jenkins shrill whistle seconds later, ending an absorbing encounter which was a credit to all involved. The Seasiders will rue the crucial mistakes which gave the Robins the upper hand, whilst being proud of their contribution to the game, for which there can be no complaints over the performance of referee Jenkins, certainly a whistler others in the black kit could learn from. For Simon Rutherford and his Rocking Robins they have raced into hat for the semi final draw, just one game away from a place in the Division 2 Final in April.
Milford United
Charlie Malloy; Ben Lloyd (Josh Smart; 79); Wesley Hill; Scott Griffiths; Wil Goodall (Morgan Picton; 63); James Morgan; Joshua Lees (Liam Davies;63); Liam Parr; Scott Reid ©️; Alex Ouzman (Jack Dyer; 84); Joey Jones.
New Hedges Saundersfoot United
Sam Franklin; Taylor Corkrey; Morgan Broomhall (Jack Franklin; 88); Jon Mansbridge; Finlay Hill (Taine Brace; 79); Richard Bambrick (Finlay Drummond; 74); Adam Carlier ©️; Oran Guile; Adam Davidson; Harvey Drummond; Toby Smith.
Substitutes not used: Evan Owen; Sam Coleman;
Referee: Sion Jenkins (Sageston)
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