Students snatch late equalising goal (From Western Telegraph)

Students snatch late equalising goal

Milford United 2 UWIC 2

Milford United very nearly made it three wins in a row on Saturday against the students of UWIC before a late equalising goal by the visitors meant they had to share the spoils.

The Robins would have gone into this match on a high having secured seven points from a possible nine, and although that isnt a great record, with two away wins in the last two games, home advantage would have given United confidence.

As it happens the wind spoilt this as a spectacle. Both sides are renowned for their attacking style of play with the visitors possessing a number of players who have had experience at premier clubs, including striker Wayne Evans, who spent two years at Manchester United.

The Robins couldnt have got off to a better start. Within five minutes they were a goal to the good as Paul McMurrish took hold of the ball following a free-kick and buried it into the back of the net for a spectacular goal from 25 yards.

With the midfield dominating in the centre of the park, chances came at regular intervals for centre forwards Ricky Morgan and Micky Phillips but neither could get the ball past Robin Hallan, who made a number of good saves.

Despite Milfords dominance, the visitors equalised with a fortuitous goal from Rob Chesters after 18 minutes. The ball was delivered from the left and with home custodian Mark Poole off his line the cheeky centre forward lobbed the stranded keeper. If there wasnt such a strong wind, the ball would have probably cleared the bar, as it happens it dipped at the last minute, with Poole left with his tail between his legs.

Joff Lennon, playing only his third game for the Robins, but looking assured in his midfield berth, almost equalised from two consecutive Micky Lewis corners, but on both occasions he shot just wide.

Milford really should have made their wind advantage count, but they didnt and it was the visitors who finished the half better.

Paul Cochlin shot over the bar and right on the whistle for half time, Chesters almost added his second, but was denied by a brilliant diving save by Poole, who gave an assuring display between the sticks again. Playing into this strong, biting, powerful wind was never going to be easy and Milford had to hang on in the early stages of the first half as UWIC attacked at will.

Milford quite literally weathered this early storm that saw Blake Parnell hit over the bar and Paul Cochlin volley wide.

Gradually they began to take hold of the ball and work their way forward having a good chance to take the lead following a free-kick by Rob Jones that was floated across the goal mouth, although no-one could get on the end of it.

Ricky Morgan also showed his acrobatic skills as he attempted a scissors kick from a Richard Bland cross and Jones had a lovely run down the left which unfortunately for him, he couldnt tuck away.

They finally took the lead after Phil Cattlin unleashed a powerful shot that ricocheted off the uprights into the path of Morgan who neatly tucked it home. It was a deserved goal for the former Tenby player who showed his tenacity all afternoon.

Sadly for him and his team mates however, it wasnt the all-important winner as minutes before the end, UWIC scored following a dubious corner as Dan Joseph tucked it past Poole.

It was a cruel end for The Robins who did enough to win the game even if they werent at their fluent best because of the wind.