Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
VILLAGE UNITED had substitute Sheldon Bryan to thank for their 1-0 win over Reno in the second round of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League at the Elleston Wakeland Centre yesterday.
Just nine minutes after entering the field of play as a 78th minute replacement for captain Shane Crawford, Bryan received a crossfield pass about 40-yards from goal looked up and sent an unstoppable thunderbolt at goal. Substitute goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence was dumbfounded.
Village's Dr. Dean Weatherly was visibly relieved at the end of the game.
"This win is inspiring and motivational. This round we are trying to win every match especially with the League format. We need to move up the ladder and rapidly so each game is like a final," Dr. Weatherly said.
With the win Village maintained their fourth place in the league and move up to 20 points, while Reno remained on 13.
The move to introduce Bryan came about because of what he said was observed about the Reno wingbacks and what the game needed at the time.
FRESH LEGS NEEDED
"We needed some fresh legs and we saw that the Reno wingbacks were weak so we decided to put on a midfielder who likes to operate from the flanks. With the wind in our backs we felt that we should play a little bit more direct so Bryan had instructions to go out there and shoot," Dr. Weatherly explained.
Reno's Bradley Stewart was predictably disappointed with the result but proud of his team's display.
"It is one of those days. I thought it was a good game. It was played with a lot of intensity by both teams.
"It is unfortunate that we lost the way we did. Based on the fields that we have it is always likely that from 35 yards a bad bounce in front of perhaps the most experienced keeper in the country, could have scored,"said Stewart, who added that his team competed for the duration of the game.
Prior to Bryan's intervention the game seemed headed for a stalemate. Both teams competed evenly but Village had the slight edge as they created and missed numerous chances. Fabian Dawkins lacked the finishing touch as on a number of occasions he was denied firstly by the brilliance of goalkeeper Kingsley Jones and then Lawrence.
With three minutes of regulation time to go a build-up involving Athol Franklyn, Leon Irving and Nicardo Folkes ended up with Bryan. Bryan's shot, which travelled like a bullet, did not rise above a foot off the ground and dipped as it headed towards Lawrence's near post. It brushed against the inside of the post and kissed the back of the net. That alone made the time spent at the game worthwhile.
GOALSHEET
Village United - 1
Sheldon Bryan - 87th
Reno - 0
