Late goal robs the Robins

Sarah Howells Wednesday, February 20, 2013
4:07 PM

A late stoppage time goal condemned Bideford to defeat in a seven-goal thriller away to St Albans on Saturday.

After five-and-a-half hours on the coach, the Robins were caught out in the opening five minutes when a cross to the edge of the area saw Chris Seeby shoot St Albans in front.

In an even opening half, the Robins hit back on 40 minutes when Ben Wood put a high ball into the area for Sean Downing to strike back. But in the final minute of the half an Albans player was brought down in the box and James Comely put them in front again from the penalty spot for a 2-1 interval lead.

Bideford dominated the second half, but found home keeper Nick Jupp in frustrating form. Matt Hockley and Kevin Squire both went close before a foul on Ben Wood saw Richard Groves step up to convert the penalty and bring the sides level again.

But the Robins were caught out by a ball over the top and Chris Henry, a thorn in their side throughout, broke away to make it 3-2.

Sean Downing restored hope with an equaliser in stoppage time, but there was still time for Henry to strike again as the game lingered on to give the home side victory 4-3.

The Robins have now started a three-match home run. They were entertaining Bedworth in a re-arranged match last night (Tuesday) before Saturday’s visit to the Sports Ground of St Neots and next Tuesday they have another re-arranged game at home to Cambridge City.