Unbeaten Saltash denied victory by late equaliser at Sidmouth

SALTASH stretched their unbeaten start to their league campaign to five games on Tuesday night with a battling point against a confident Sidmouth side at Manstone Lane.

The Ashes led twice in the second half but were denied victory when Nathan Cooper scored a last minute equaliser for the home side.

Saltash boss Lee Britchford said: “People who paid to get in certainly had their money’s worth in terms of entertainment, that’s for sure.

“It was a bitter-sweet one from our point of view because I have firmly put that in the back as a game we would have lost last year – indeed we did lose 5-0 up there at the start of last season.

“They have a way of doing things that make it very difficult for you, and they are certainly effective at what they do. There were times last night when we didn’t deal with that very well and ultimately that’s what cost us.

“On the balance of play they probably produced enough chances to win it but when you’re 3-2 away from home with a few minutes left you want to see the game through. They put us under a lot of pressure and we were unable to withstand it, so obviously that was disappointing.”

He added: “The boys are working incredibly hard, I couldn’t fault them for effort, but we’ve given away too many soft goals.

“We looked a real threat on the counter attack but we do need to improve defensively. In terms of our start to the season, we’ve played four of our five games away, and to go to Tavistock, Ivybridge, Brislington and Sidmouth and still be unbeaten is great.”

The Ashes now prepare for Saturday’s rearranged league fixture at Bovey Tracey and Britchford said: “It’s another tough test and we’ll have to be at our best to take anything out of it.”

Tuesday night’s game started badly for Saltash, who were under the cosh in the early minutes and it took two fine saves from Jordan Duffey to keep Sidmouth out.

But the deadlock was broken in the 15th minute when Jason Price sent a bullet header past Duffey.

Sidmouth had a couple more good opportunities to extend their lead but they were pegged back in the 32nd minute when they conceded a penalty and Ben Goulty stepped up to equalise.

The home side continued to carve out chances but they fell behind just before the hour with another spot kick – this time converted by Henry Donovan after the striker had been bundled over.

Saltash’s lead looked precarious as Sidmouth pushed forward in search of an equaliser, which came in the 71st minute from Cooper.

But three minutes later the Ashes were back in front when a sweeping attack ended with midfield maestro Fin Wilkes firing the ball into the net.

It looked like Saltash might weather the late pressure and hold on for victory but as the game moved into stoppage time Cooper forced the ball home to make it 3-3.

Saltash: Jordan Duffey, Hayden Greening, Alfie Wotton, Ben Goulty (Max Everall 61), Sam Joce, Charlie Elkington, Kieran O’Melia (Harry Truscott 82), Fin Wilkes, Henry Donovan (George Powell 86), Freddie Tolcher, Jack Jefford (Joe Preece 65).

Sub not used: Adam Peters.

Goals: Ben Goulty (32, pen), Henry Donovan (58, pen), Fin Wilkes (74).

Yellow card: Sam Joce (40).

Man of the Match: Kieran O’Melia.