Undy Athletic 0 Mathern Reserves A 9

MATHERN Reserves crushed Undy in a game many thought could prove a banana-skin for the leaders.

The very impressive Tom Watson settled any nerves his teammates may have been feeling with two excellent goals in the first 15, finishing off quick passing movements on both wings where the pitch was at it firmest.

Dan Tyler then waltzed through four tackles before making it 3-0 with a low drive before Harry Johnstone – another youngster who catches the eye with his confidence – curled a fine shot in off the far post.

Both Mathern flanks were operating slickly and with purpose while Mathern’s back line kept Undy in check. When they did break through, Mark Palmer had luck and skill on his side.

Coming out to narrow the angle he slipped on the gluepot surface but managed to divert the shot for a corner while lying on the ground.

At 4-0 down, Undy came out a lot stronger after the break but despite forcing three corners in quick succession, they were unable to reduce the deficit and Mathern skipper Wayne Duffield made it five, sweeping home a pass from the edge of the area.

That spurred Connor Hayden into action and the tricky winger, linking well with Tyler, scored twice in as many minutes before twice turning provider for Tyler to complete his hat-trick.

Despite the missed opportunities, Baker was satisfied with his team’s performance.

“People may be surprised by the scoreline but I’m not, it just proves where we are this season,” he said later.

“It was another typical performance where we battled hard and together, off the ball,

“The lads know how to play football but more importantly, they have the attitude to succeed. This could have been a pressure game for us but I think 9-0 proves we aren’t feeling any pressure.”