Goytre's fate is in own hands (From Free Press Series)

Goytre's fate is in own hands

AFTER a disappointing run of form which has seen Goytre sucked right into the relegation battle in Welsh League Division Three, club chairman Paul Greenhalgh knows his side still need a point from their last two games this week to ensure survival.

Goytre could only manage a goalless draw at rivals Blaenrhondda last Wednesday, after Andy Walsh and Steve Collett were both denied by the woodwork. Then a late goal against Cwmamman on Saturday denied the visitors mathematical safety.

But with a trip to Cambrian & Clydach tonight (kick off 6.15pm) and then West End on Saturday, Greenhalgh is at least pleased Goytre still hold their own fate in their hands.

He said: "We've only got ourselves to blame for where we are now and can't rely on other teams not winning."

In their defence, Goytre have been desperately unlucky with injuries. After losing goalkeeper Ryan Mackernass with broken ribs against Llanwern last month, they travelled to Blaenrhondda with Richard Minor again deputising. But after a clean sheet in the valleys, he himself was then taken ill en route to Cwmamman on Saturday to add to the crisis.

Skipper Kevin Wallace was next to take on the role of stand-in keeper after a stint between the sticks at youth level, but he was unable to stop the hosts taking the lead inside ten minutes when Steve Francis slotted home.

On a hard, bouncy pitch, Goytre struggled to get the ball under control and then again headed against the bar. Their best chance of the half came when Joe Carlos skipped through and crossed low for Lee Grimes, but the arriving striker was unable to reach the ball with the goal beckoning.

With 20 minutes to go, Wallace came out of goal with Adam Roberts taking a turn - and the tactical switch appeared to have worked when Carlos equalised, scoring from wide on the right after Collett's quick throw.

But in the last minute, Dean Taylor headed a ball out for a corner when Roberts had called to claim it. And United stole the points with the ball flying in from the set-piece.