Goalkeepers made to pay for mistakes

Mar 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

COUNTY’S mistakes were punished on Saturday when Eastleigh became the second side to beat them at Spytty Park in four days.

There was a gale force wind at County’s backs in the first half, but Eastleigh dominated the early exchanges and took a 20th minute lead when Scott James, County’s 18-year-old goalkeeper, fumbled an effort from Mark Marshall into the net.

But Eastleigh’s Ashley Vickers saw red for a challenge on County’s Jason Bowen on the half-hour and, from Andy Gurney’s free-kick, Paul Cochlin headed a superb equaliser.

County should have been well in front by the break, but their chances were hindered when a misjudged back pass from skipper Steve Jenkins in the 53rd minute left James stranded.

The goalkeeper was forced to handle Paul Sales’ shot while outside the area, leaving referee Paul Forrester no alternative but to send him off.

Tony Pennock came off the bench to fill the goalkeeping slot, but he showed that errors can be just as easily be made by experienced ‘keepers when straying from his area and trying to keep the ball in play.

Sales collected his weak clearance and hit it first time into the empty net for Eastleigh’s winner from near the touchline with 10 minutes remaining.

County boss Peter Beadle now takes his team to Havant & Waterlooville today (3pm) to take on the FA Cup giantkillers in another vital six pointer.

MERTHYR Tydfil will be hoping to continue their climb up the BGB Southern League Premier table when they entertain Cheshunt at Penydarren Park today (3pm).

Craig Stiens and Mike Jones were on target in Good Friday’s 2-0 win over Chippenham which took them up to 13th spot.