Need heroics get Sarries back to winning ways

Cheltenham Saracens came from behind on Saturday afternoon to see off Alcester Town courtesy of goals from Alder and Roberts, with keeper Harvey Need putting in a Man of the Match display in the 2-1 win, writes Alfie Richmond.

After opening the season with four straight wins, Cheltenham Saracens looked to bounce back from consecutive defeats as they welcomed Alcester Town. Known as ‘The Romans’, the visitors came into the afternoon in 11th place, without a win in their last four.

The first real chance of the game fell to the away side on 12 minutes. Skipper Jake Wicketts found some space for a cross into Jack Cole, who couldn’t keep his head under the bar.

Brad Roberts had a golden chance to put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes when a long ball fell kindly into his path, but his finish trickled wide of the post.

Two minutes later and it was Alcester this time who came close. George Davis’ firm effort stung the palms of Sarries keeper Harvey Need, who did well to claim the following rebound.

On 39 minutes, Alcester found the breakthrough. After a scramble in the box following a lofted free-kick, the ball dropped invitingly for Cole who took his chance well by firing into the bottom corner.

But a huge moment for the hosts came just before the break, as they drew level. Alcester failed to clear their lines after a Sarries corner, allowing Archie Alder to stab the ball home and make it 1-1.

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The second half started cagey, with both sides struggling to get a foot-hold on the game. Though on 58 minutes, a long throw-in found its way to Tom Hoskins, whose snap-shot sailed over the bar.

Just two minutes later the hosts went ahead. Another long throw-in from Essa Sabally caused problems for Alcester, and when the ball fell to Roberts he made no mistake this time around.

The away side had a handful of throw-ins themselves throughout the second half, but Saracens continued to defend them well.

In the dying embers of the game, Davis latched onto a flick-on, made a dash into the box, and caught contact from a Saracens defender. The referee awarded Alcester a penalty.

Wicketts stepped up, but in heroic fashion, Need got a strong hand to the strike and confirmed all 3 points for Cheltenham Saracens.

Sarries now face back-to-back home fixtures, beginning on Tuesday evening against FC Stratford, followed by a local derby with Stonehouse Town next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Alcester travel to Chipping Sodbury next week, then return home to host Wantage Town the following Saturday.

Subs: Comerford (81’), Rose (72’), Richardson (90’), Barnes-Wills (87’), Marszalek (72’)

Subs: Bourn, Brown, Roberts (80’), Atkinson, Bowen (63’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Harvey Need (Cheltenham Saracens)