MATCH REPORT | Salisbury (A)

Match report by Allan Mitchell

Hemel suffered a second league defeat on the bounce for the first time this season and it was a very disappointing result against a Salisbury side who have been struggling at the lower end of the table this season.

Tudors boss Lee Allinson said that his team need to address their recent form that has seen them start games very slowly and it has started to cost them points.

The game was effectively won in the 11th minute, ironically just after Hemel thought they had taken the lead, after Millar Mathews-Lewis had tucked home a Kyle Ajayi header from a free kick, the linesman flagging for a very tight offside against Ajayi.

The ball was quickly fed down the line and went out for a throw in to the Tudors, there looked little danger but a poor throw gifted Salisbury possession, Noah Coppin took full advantage as he cut inside and wasn’t shut down, he drove into the box and drilled a shot into the top corner past Michael Johnson’s fully stretched arm.

The game became very scrappy after the goal and Salisbury looked very comfortable whilst remaining a threat on the counter with Coppin looking very dangerous with his pace and movement. Hemel just could not find a way through the home sides back line and rarely threatened in the first 45 minutes. They were given an excellent opportunity just before the interval when the referee rather harshly decided that a blocked shot that had spun across to the keeper was a back pass and he awarded a free kick just inside the box. Unfortunately the resulting kick was scuffed into the wall and was cleared, which kind of summed up the first period for the Tudors.

The second half saw Hemel come out of the traps from the start after they had been given something of a dressing down during the interval and they looked a different team creating more chances in the first ten minutes than they did in the entire first 45 minutes.

Nana Boateng thought he had levelled the scores when he took advantage of some hesitancy at the back but his well struck shot was saved at point blank range. Kyle Ajayi put a header over the bar from the resulting corner and George Williams saw his effort saved as Hemel drove forward.

The Tudors forced a number of corners in an effort to get something out of the game and there were further chances for George Williams and Boateng but the Salisbury backline and in particular their keeper, William Buse held firm.

As the Tudors pushed more men forward Salisbury could have doubled their lead when some sloppy defending allowed them in as the clock ticked down, Coppin robbed the defender and squared it to Hedges who’s first time shot hit the post and bounced clear.

Buse was having one of those days as he made another save from Ajayi and Coppin could have really put the game to bed as Hemel pushed forward, he looked to have the freedom of the pitch as he raced clear, Johnson tried to shut him down almost on the half way line, the Salisbury forward took the ball round him but lost control with the goal gaping and the chance was gone.

There was a late Hemel effort from Mauro Vilhete who tried his luck from 25 yards that flew high and wide and up the other end, Michael Johnson saved well from Hedges as the game drew to a close.

The Tudors remain in the play off places and there is a welcome break from league action this week with Herts Senior Cup and FA Trophy ties coming up, something Lee felt that this would be a good thing for his players. He said they will be working hard to get back on track and is still confident that the squad will come good as the season moves on.

Attendance: 705

Tudors Man of the Match: George Williams