All square at Boot Hill (From Western Telegraph)

All square at Boot Hill

Hubberston 2 St Davids 2

The postponement of the majority of football games in the county due to the weather was a blessing in disguise for the impartial soccer supporters who descended on Boot Hill on Saturday, as they witnessed an enthralling game between two evenly matched sides.

This top-of-the-table, Division Three clash had everything from numerous attempts on goal, to the thrills and spills usually associated with such important fixtures.

Both teams were intent on playing attacking football, eager to gain the upper hand over the opposition. As it turned out, the result was a fair one, but it could have been so different if the visitors had not let the home team in for an equaliser with just minutes to go.

Hubberston started the brighter of the two sides. The strong cross wind was slightly in their favour in the first half and they utilised it well.

They played with skill, determination and intelligence, passing the ball crisply and when needed, struck the ball deep into the opposition half to create chances on goal. The first chance fell to livewire centre forward Sean Roberts, who witnessed his well-struck shot being saved by Mark John.

This early pressure was soaked up well by the Saints defence and they were able to secure enough possession to create chances of their own. The first fell to Simon Thornton, who showed some great touches as he weaved in and out of the Hubberston defence and unleashed a powerful shot that was well saved.

David Price also proved to be a constant menace to the homesters and he too had a few chances, the best of which followed a delightful twist, turn and firmly struck shot.

Hubberston came back well and a superb pass by Matthew Howells fell straight to the feet of Roberts whose shot resulted in a corner. From this, Greg Macintosh rose high but his header failed to trouble John.

The final chance of the half though fell to Saints midfielder, Jason Joyce, who produced a thunderous shot that ricocheted off the cross bar.

The second half saw the game really spring into life. Within five minutes the visitors were awarded a penalty, which was hotly disputed by the home team. Their protestations came to nothing however, and Nick Price neatly put St Davids into the lead.

It was short lived. A minute later and Hubberston were level after a cross in from the left was met by Howells, who snuck the ball into the back of the net.

The goal obviously inspired the home team more than the visitors; as for the next 30 minutes, they dominated the half. They created chance after chance after chance, but just couldnt find a way to get the ball passed John.

Gareth Hughes shot wide, Sean Roberts hit the cross bar and Nathan Watts shot was well saved.

Despite this dominance, St Davids did manage a few runs up field and towards the latter part of the half, forced a corner. From the kick, Simon Thornton just managed to get his foot to the ball and the Hubberston defence were shocked to see it roll into the back of the net.

St Davids joy quickly turned to dismay as Hubberston re-grouped, took the ball downfield and scored through Greg Macintosh.

It was a cruel blow for the Saints, who had won the previous fixture at home 3-2, but in the end it was definitely the right result, especially for the impartial supporter.