Sacriston got the win in the end but made very hard work of a game that should have been won by a far more comfortable margin. Sacriston started the game well on a very difficult pitch and Anthony Ward on 2 minutes had the first chance of the game when he directed his header just over the bar from James Thornton’s corner.
Sacriston did take the lead on 9 minutes when Graeme Embleton’s wicked in-swinging free kick was stabbed home by Sean Gregory from 6 yards out going in of the underside of the crossbar.
Washington got level on 18 minutes when Sacriston went to sleep at a corner which was not cleared and was bundled in at the far post.
Sacriston quickly re-took the lead on 21 minutes when after a good run and cross down the right by Andrew Solan found John Harrison who held the ball up well before laying it off to Grant Boyd who struck a fantastic shot with his right foot from the edge of the box into the right corner of the net.
Sacriston continued to dominate the game and created several good chances with Harrison, Ward & Embleton but didn’t find the net.
Sean Gregory had the best chance to increase the lead on 40 minutes when he wriggled clear of 2 challenges in the box to get himself a great shooting opportunity from 10 yards out on his left foot but his shot was well saved by the Washington keeper.
John Harrison had been very effective on his debut for the club showing excellent ball control and his hold up play was bringing others into the game but having not played for a long time after recovering from injury he tired and was replaced on 55 minutes by Gary Draper. Then on 57 minutes Gary Draper scored with his first touch after he did well to slide in following Graeme Embleton’s attempted shot.
James Thornton on 62 minutes found himself in a great position in the box from a rare forward run but couldn’t keep the ball under control. A goal would have been a nice way for him to complete the match after having a very strong game he was replaced by Rob Draper.
Then on 71 minutes the game should have been made absolutely safe when Ward got through one on one with the Washington keeper but Ward’s shot was well saved.
Ryan Grayson replaced Andrew Solan on 75 minutes with Ward switching to play at right wing back. Washington very rarely got in our half during this period of the match but amazingly found a life line in the game when the tamest shot from outside the box on 79 minutes trickled through to our goalkeeper Bryan Potts who somehow allowed the ball to go underneath him and over the line.
The team continued to create several golden opportunities with Gary Draper & Embleton going close. On 81 minutes Sean Gregory was fouled inside the penalty box by the Washington defender but incredibly the referee didn’t give the penalty.
Then on 83 minutes Gary Draper got through and was brought down inside the box and this time the penalty was given. Ward stepped up to take the penalty but missed it putting his effort wide of the right hand post.
Grayson broke away a couple of times in the last few mins the first time he carried the ball into the box and went for goal himself but his shot was well saved and the 2nd time he broke away down the right hand side and he squared the ball to Collinson who got the ball under control but his shot was weak and straight at the keeper.
Sacriston saw out the remaining few minutes of the game to claim the win but through very poor finishing and a goalkeeping blunder made the game a much nervy affair than it should have ever been.
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Sean Gregory was outstanding all game giving a powerhouse performance in central midfield and he along with Graeme Embleton kept the team moving forward at all times and ensured we had the majority of possession. Grant Boyd was also outstanding from left wing back and was involved heavily in all of Sacriston’s good play.
