Goal A Long Time Coming

Last Saturday was a momentous day, my first open play goal, rather than penalty, since I left school. That was 30 years ago before you ask. To be fair, I was only on the pitch due to injuries, but hey, you still have to take the chances. Below is the match report as written by David Gate, that appears on our bit of the League's page on the F.A.Full Time website. I know I shouldn't really be bigging this up, but 30 years is a long wait, at that rate the next one will be when I'm 77!

Unbeaten Trinity welcomed Diamonds to Newlands for a windswept encounter and found themselves trailing midway through the first half to a long ball that the back four let bounce before the Diamonds attacker found a lob finish to take the lead. Trinity restored the parity 10 minutes later with Ian Britten converting a penalty after being brought down in the box after a long spell of Trinity possession and chances.

At the break Trinity were forced into two half time changes after the brave Andy Walsh had received a volley to the head in the first half and was clearly concussed and had to be taken to hospital by the goal scorer Ian Britten.

With two of Trinity's influential players leaving the match they were replaced with the Colossus that is Tim Isles and Martin 'Torres' Lovegrove (AKA Granddad). The changes didn't appear to hinder Trinity and they grabbed the lead half way through the second half with a good move turned in by the unfortunate defender who was sliding in to win the ball and inadvertently turned it into his own net. Diamonds however kept trying to find a way through and managed just that with lone striker Aaron Hart taking his opportunity well. Minutes later Trinity had a chance to restore the lead after the ref gave a soft penalty for handball which Gatesy stepped up to take, striking it too close to the keeper who got down well for a strong save.

That disappoint did not deter them however and after a series of chances managed to get the goal; Jay Barrett putting the ball into the box for 'One Touch' Granddad to turn the ball in with a deft finish with the outside of his boot. Trinity thought they were going to hold on to the win but it was not to be; one final long ball fell nicely for Aaron Hart to take his chance and finish well earning a draw for his team and whilst leaving Trinity, still unbeaten, ruing their missed chances.