FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Hellenic League Division 1

4th February 2025

Returning/New signing Ben Tilbury marked his home debut at Kingys with a goal which put the icing on a first win in 4 games for the Saltmen.

In truth, it was a game which could and should have been put to bed well before Ben took to the field as a second half substitute. Spa started strongly with wide men Moss and Lemon creating havoc in a nervous looking Wellington defence from minute one. The opening goal came in the fifth minute. A Perry Moss cross was flicked by Alex Dugmore to Charlie Tilley who lashed the ball home mercilessly.

Stung by falling behind the Tangerines began to find their feet and played some swift passing football but were unable to find an end product.

Cory Rudd came close to adding a second Spa goal but his well struck effort was blocked on the line. With Saltmen queuing up to hit it, the loose ball did its best impersonation of a pinball. Numerous shots rained in but the ball would not make it to the onion bag.

Spa finally doubled their lead after 19 minutes. Some tidy build play set the one true Sir Alex Dugmore (not the old purple nosed Glaswegian) free and he lashed the ball home mercilessly.

The two goal lead would not last until half time as the visitors sprang the Spa offside trap and Carlos Moreira neatly lashed the ball home mercilessly.

The second half started brightly but Spa could not add to their tally until the 60th minute when Spa managed get numbers into the box and Charlie Tilley put himself on a hat trick as he pounced on the loose ball and lashed the ball home mercilessly.

In accordance with club policy (I think) as this was his second goal of the game, the Spa number 10 was immediately replaced by Ben Tilbury. Skipper James Lemon, who survived an attempt to take his leg bone apart, was also replaced, by Josh Hurdman.

The game became quite frenetic with both sides creating some very good chances. Jack Oxenham was the busier of the two goalkeepers and as the game entered the last quarter he made a string of excellent saves to keep the Tangerines in contention. He finally conceded a fourth goal on 85 minutes when a good cross from Josh Hurdman was met by Ben Tilbury who lashed the ball home mercilessly from six yards out.

And that’s how it finished. Spa chalk up another three points in their title bid and have now opened up a nine point lead over the chasing pack.

While I am tempted to give the FTS Man of the Match to Joe Clayton for his cameo role on the right wing, it really has to go to Charlie Tilley for his two goals and tireless work in behind Sir Alex.

Next up, Cheltenham Saracens make their second visit of the season to Kingys.

See you there.

Steve

#UTS