THREE VALUABLE POINTS

SELSTON 1 SAFFRON DYNAMO 0

UCL 1 AT THE PARISH

16 DECEMBER 2023 --- 3PM

SEAN GREGORY AND KYRAN TAYLOR IN SELSTON V SAFFRON DYNAMO

Selston received an early and much needed Christmas present courtesy of three points from the boot of Jacob Barrass, the game had been set in deadlock until this deciding breakthrough with seventeen minutes remaining.  The maximum points tally was enough to take Selston out of the relegation zone as well, more reasons for seasonal celebrations.

This game though was a classic 'all that's good about non league football' encounter the honest endeavour and commitment of both sides battled out an entertaining fixture that saw nothing less then 100% given.  All this wrapped up in the usual friendly atmosphere of Selston Fc and its officials.

HO HO HO AND A PRICE REDUCTION TOO AS SELSTON GO FESTIVE

Once again a crafty taxi there and back allowed a more relaxed arrival and with Selston not offering a chippy it was time to pop into you know where.  The Coop offered up a selection of pre-match pastries and there was even a few pence in 'divi' to be collected.  A short walk up to The Parish Ground while tucking into cheese and mac pasty trying not to leave any crumbs on the pavements that would have been better digested was the order of the day.

Selston had made the decision to reduce their admission prices to £4 and £2 for the remainder of the UCL season as a gestures to supporters old and new, as you will know from past blogs and hopefully this one there is always a comfy and friendly feel about the club so if you not experienced it now is the time to pop on by for a game.

As ever the welcome starts at the entrance and with today's gateman dressed in festive attire for the big day in just over a weeks time it was good moods all round.

THE PARISH WITH ITS NEWEST STAND TO THE FORE

An hour pre kick off can be too long at some grounds but it wasn't today with a tour around the three sided affair, cricket share, and the chance to take a few photos before catching up with Selston secretary Adam Gregory who as ever was ready for my team sheet photo question.  Selston use their social media platforms well and unlike some similar level local clubs had kept their followers up to date about this fixture.  The continuing wet pitches from the last few months rain had seen a collection of local games called off but thankfully the 'Parish' had recovered enough to be given the all clear.

SELSTON CAPTAIN LEE STEVENSON AND KEEPER LEWIS SCOTT PRE MATCH

The first half was a battling affair with little in free flowing football evident although under watch of an assessor referee Adam Alldridge popped four players, two from each side, into the book.  Yes there was some niggly stuff and he kept on top of it by using the yellow cards but you do wonder without the spy in the stand if there would have been more than a couple.  Indeed around the forty minute mark he pulled both captains together for a chat I guess he thought it was getting a little bit too keen although it never felt like it was going to boil over unlike some games.

SAFFRON START THEIR ATTACK FROM THE EDGE OF THEIR OWN BOX

On the action front Saffron had an effort cleared off the line by captain Lee Stevenson and there was little else barring a sharp save by visiting keeper Louis Harris three minutes before the break.

It did though set the game up for a grandstand second half while hoping what looked at one stage a goal less draw did not happen.

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE FROM RIOUAL BAKALA-KOUSSABA FOR SELSTON

Half time did not bring forward a move back to the pavilion and the time for the teams return was counted down on the small terrace on the lower half of the sloping pitch.

SELSTON OUT OF A TIGHT CORNER WITH JACOB BARRASS

With the floodlights on and shadows visible it was time to put away the camera and enjoy the action of the second half.

Saffron right back Harry Rawson who had been booked in the first five minutes questioned whether the referee was watching the game after what he felt was an infringement although the loud voicing of the question did include a fruity word.  Referee Alldridge I guess deemed it not to have been aggressive in intent to himself and although he produced a yellow card the pointing to the dug out signified a sin bin offence rather than totting up to a red card.  He may have been fortunate though because I think some referees may have shown a straight red.

THE SUN SHINES AS SELSTON BRING THE BALL AWAY

As the game went beyond the hour mark the pitch looked ok but I guess was heavy and energy sapping and it started to show as the gap from front to back opened up and we saw a game that may have been somewhat resembling a heavy weight boxing match as both sides gathered themselves to attack, defend and then attack in this fully committed match.

SELSTON BRING THE BALL FORWARD WITH JORDAN BLACK

With seventeen minutes remaining Selston got the ball into the danger zone with the Saffron keeper again pulling off a great save the ball bounced around with the visitors unable to clear it fell to Barrass who lashed the ball home from ten yards to break the deadlock.

Tension now would raise a notch for Selston who knew the importance of securing this victory indeed they hit the struck the bar with just over ten minutes remaining from a long range effort. 

REFEREE ALLDRIDGE AWAITS THE VAR DECISION

As the game entered the final five minutes the home side should have wrapped it up when a free kick from Sean Gregory found Jordan Black who just couldn't get the right connection to convert.

SAFFRON DYNAMO MANAGER JACOB STRAW IN BREAK IN PLAY DISCUSSION

Do not think for one moment Saffron had given this game up they were threatening at every opportunity and in the last minute of normal time looked odds on to equalise.  Bursting through on goal Jack Scott looked well set as the Selston keeper came out to meet him and for a heart in mouth few seconds you expected the visitors celebration to commence but Scott had other ideas pulling off a superb save at the feet of the Dynamo's player.

SELSTON MANAGER CRAIG WESTON PONDERS THE ACTION

Shortly after the nerves could be settled and Selston had bagged the three points from this very close fixture featuring two well matched sides who had contributed so much and again advertised the draw of non league football.  Devoid of numerous square balls and passing back to the keeper that the professional game passes off as entertainment, this offered just good honest effort that produced an enthralling game at The Parish this afternoon.

REFEREE ALLDRIDGE CALLS IN BOTH CAPTAINS FOR A QUICK CHAT

Once again finish time of the game fell just right for the early arrival of a booked taxi and base was achieved at around 5.30pm from one of if not the most enjoyable games of the season so far.

JORDAN BLACK SHIELDS THE BALL