Match Report
While 4 League 1 games were called off due to flooding, the Hall Road pitch was as good as it has ever been and conditions could not have been better. It wasn’t even that windy. St Mary’s have had a poor start to the season results-wise whilst the Vets have been playing well. Gendall’s injury, however, could not have come at a worse time in the season; this is a game in which his performance is usually key.
The game was tight from start to end, but chances need to be taken and we didn’t. Somehow things just didn’t click. A good opening goal from St Mary’s was quickly nullified when Chester was brought down in the box and Mornington slotted the resulting penalty. We hit the post. Lewis was felled in a “would have been a red in real football” incident when the St Mary’s keeper Danny scythed him down just outside the box. He then pulled off a great save from the resulting free kick. A turning point? Maybe.
M&S Oranges at half time were exceptionally good. The second half performance was not. Power gifted St Mary’s the lead, Caggsy scuffed a third and though the fightback was spirited, the execution was not. We hit the post again, Chester forced a great save with a powerful header, but in the end we just gave the ball away too much and weren’t quite at the races. The 21st December can’t come soon enough for all sorts of reasons, but especially for the return match and a chance to make amends.
We will come back stronger.