WESTERN PREMIER Saltash United 1 Brixham AFC 1

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Created on Sunday, 28 July 2024 14:32

Last Updated on Monday, 29 July 2024 14:36

Published on Sunday, 28 July 2024 14:32

Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT at Kimberley

Striker Aaron Goulty’s goal five minutes from time salvaged a deserved point for Saltash in their opening Western League premier division game of the season at Kimberley on Saturday.

Goulty’s excellent finish from Deacon Thomson’s pass after Kieran O’Melia’s cross had caused panic cancelled out Brixham substitute Tom Mortimore’s 83rd minute strike.

The Ashes now prepare for Wednesday night’s visit to St Blazey, who suffered a shock 8-0 defeat at Brislington on the opening day.

Ashes manager Macca Brown said: “I’m pleased with our result. To be off the mark points wise is important in the first game, especially against such tough opposition in Brixham.

“It was a typical first game of the season; friendlies are one thing but when the points are up for grabs it is like 22 caged animals being unleashed, and that made the game frantic with not much quality. 

“We urged the boys to find calmness in the chaos before the game and again at half time, but it is difficult because of the occasion.”

Brown went on: “I actually felt Brixham settled quicker than us, we struggled to find our rhythm and composure but were a threat on the counter in the first half, but Brixham probably had more control in terms of possession. 

“However, I don’t think we looked like conceding and more importantly didn’t look like there was a mistake around the corner, which was the case in this kind of game last season and I think Tyler (Yendle) and Elliott (Crawford) have brought that side to us with their organisation and communication, they don’t let people switch off. 

“We improved with the ball second half, but the game was cagey and it probably looked like it was going to finish goalless. 

“We got into some good areas but the cross or final pass or touch wasn’t where it needed to be, and it was the same for them. 

“We conceded out of nowhere with five minutes to go, I think there was a bit of luck to it as a clearance ricocheted off their man to put him in but I was absolutely delighted with the response. 

“We had prepared two subs to throw the kitchen sink at it in the last few minutes but by the time we’d prepared them we’d equalised and it shows what a bit of quality can do. 

“It was a magnificent cross by Kieran, great composure by Deacon (Thomson) to set up Aaron, who did brilliantly with his finish. 

“We’ve come behind in pre season a number of times and it’s a quality we look to have, so we were delighted with that.”

Saltash: J Duffey, J Toulson (J Kelsey 75), E Wright (K O’Melia 58), H Greening, T Yendle, E Crawford, L Murray, T Payne, J Jefford (D Thomson 58), A Goulty, J Preece.

Subsnotused: B Goulty, T Huyton.

Goal: A Goulty (85).

Referee: Will Annear.

Attendance: 150.

SWSN Star Hayden Greening

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