Weston Super Mare Away. 18 October 2014

[Hatboy]

Seagulls suffer defeat at home to the Saints

Llewellyn is man of the match as chosen by sponsors Howards Motor Group

WESTON-S-MARE 0, ST ALBANS CITY 2

WESTON’S miserable loss of form continued as they crashed to their fourth successive Vanarama Conference South defeat at the hands of newly-promoted St Albans.
They had no answer to the visitors’ strong physical challenge and never posed a threat to a side in eighth spot in the table.
Weston were missing Sam Teale, who was on holiday, while Jake Mawford, Jake Harris and Conor O’Sullivan were missing through injury. Debuts were given to Barbadian international Roger Lee, who came into the back four, and on-loan midfielder Gus Mafuta from Bristol City.

The visitors dominated from the start, forcing three early corners, but Weston almost snatched an unlikely lead on 29 minutes when a huge clearance by keeper Luke Purnell was tipped over his crossbar by his opposite number Joe Welch.
A minute later Saints were in front when Purnell could only parry a fierce effort by John Frendo and unfortunately Sean Shields was first to the rebound and easily beat the prone keeper.

As Weston tried to get into the game, they forced a couple of unsuccessful corners and on 41 minutes Jamie Lucas might have done better when he was put through unmarked, but Welch, coming off his line, blocked the weak effort.
Saints made the game safe on 43 minutes when a superb cross-field pass by James Comley found Steve Wales unmarked in space and he easily fired past Purnell.

Weston had more of the midfield play in the second half with Jacob Kane, Ryan Bath and substitutes Alec Fiddes and Joe McClennan prominent, but they failed to break down a no-nonsense defence and Welch did not have a save to make.

WESTON STATS –
Goals: Saints, Shields (30), Wales (43)
Shots on target: Weston 2, Saints 5
Shots off target: Weston 3, Saints 3
Corners: Weston 4, Saints 5
Offsides: Weston 6, Saints 1
Free kicks conceded: Weston 13, Saints 9
Referee: Andrew Laver (Portsmouth). A bit hasty with his use of cards.
Bookings: Weston, Cane, Fiddes. Saints, Locke, Comley, Green
Attendance:272
Weston squad: Purnell, Lee, Brown (Fiddes 57), Jordan, Fortune, Mafuta, Cane, Lucas, Bath (Williams 74), Grubb (McClennan 57). Subs (not used); Camper, Ash.

westonsmareafc.co.uk/seagulls-suffer-defeat-home-saints/

[Hatboy]

Oct 20, 2014 11:16:46 GMT EFMTFTV said:

Wait until the youtube video goes up and you see the 2nd goal

I'm guessing it was the pass for it you meant rather than the coverage of the goal Lol

[Hatboy]

Unselfish Frendo draws manager’s praise
Michael Edwards

John Frendo’s unselfish play has drawn praise from his manager.

Last season’s top scorer has found the net four times in 10 appearances so far this season – a smaller return than many were expecting from a striker who scored 86 goals over the past two season - but St Albans City joint manager James Gray explained it’s a product of the system.

All of City’s success this season has come with Frendo up front by himself and support from the wingers, resulting in him playing with his back to goal.

“The two wide boys, Sean Shields and Steve Wales, are playing really well but [the way we play] does take goals away from John because he’s not supported,” said Gray.

“But every time we’ve changed formation we’ve come unstuck so unfortunately John is having to do a lot of unselfish work. He put in another good shift [against Weston-Super-Mare] – he occupied the two centre halves and anything that came in stuck – and Sean and Steve are benefitting from that.

“John is not getting his goals but I don’t think it’s the be all and end all; a striker needs to contribute and that’s what he’s doing.”

He added: “It’s a collective team effort – I try to stress that. Everyone has to work for the same goal: winning three points.”


www.hertsad.co.uk/sport/football/unselfish_frendo_draws_manager_s_praise_1_3816348

[EFMTFTV]

Suppose it depends if Frendo is on a goal bonus

[cheshuntsaint]

Its also a step up in the level he was used to playing at.

[Hatboy]

Comment: Saints’ superhero swoops in to save us
Michael Edwards

Sean Shields' loan at St Albans City was extended after an anonymous funded the move.

Much like the residents of Gotham City, fans at Clarence Park seemingly have their own caped crusader looking out for their wellbeing.

But while Batman rids his city of the Joker, St Albans City’s unknown hero has, at least temporarily, saved the club’s fans from a far greater evil: Sean Shields’ departure.

The Saints announced on Monday than a fan had stumped up the cash to keep the Dagenham and Redbridge dynamo around, extending the original two-month agreement by another 30 days.

The day has been saved.

At this point in the season, St Albans City without Shields is a scary thought. The 22-year-old has scored in each of the last three games and poses a genuine threat every time he touches the ball.

No other player in the squad combines his pace, skill and eye for goal. Yes, City have other very good players, James Comley and Lee Chappell for instance, but you can feel a sense of expectation and excitement from the fans, and fear from the opposition, every time Shields has the ball at his feet: that’s what he brings to the team.

Perhaps more importantly, the mystery fan – let’s call them Bruce Wayne – has saved the fans from the alternative.

With Shields in the squad, joint managers James Gray and Graham Golds can play John Frendo up front on his own with support from the wingers – Shields, Steve Wales or David Keenleyside.

And it’s working. In games when Wales, who seemingly can’t stop scoring, and Shields both find the net, St Albans have a 100 per cent record, admittedly it’s only two games but it’s a stat that backs up what I’m saying so go with it.

Without Shields, they would likely switch to a 4-4-2 with ‘Giant’ Geoff Mitchell or the currently on loan Loick Pires supporting Frendo. While both have battled injuries that have slowed their development at the club, neither has shown the eye for goal that Shields has in a City shirt, or the ability to put a defender on their heels.

I know which formation I’d prefer to see.

And so I’d like to say thank you to City’s superhero – out there doing what is right, not for the plaudits but just because it’s the right thing to do – I may not know your identity but I’d glad you’re there, watching over my team.