Swindon P.S.F.A. vs Vale of White Horse P.S.F.A. 22-10-11 Witney Cup Round 1

Swindon’s campaign to lift the Witney Cup ended at the first round stage for the second successive season as they lost 3:2 at home to local rivals Vale of White Horse. Swindon just edged the opening ten minutes. Cremin went close to converting Tyson’s cross from the left. Broadbank then saw his effort from the edge of the area narrowly miss the crossbar after Lawrence’s good approach work. Webb’s shot for the visitors was confidently held by George before Merchant’s text book covering tackle halted a promising Vale move. The visitors were kept in check by stalwart defending from Leach, McGinn and Philips with Vale’s best chance falling to Masters whose shot trickled despairingly wide of the right post. Swindon continued to threaten and played some delightful football; Philips linked well with Skinner down the left flank whilst Brown’s tenacity in the centre of the park was particularly noteworthy. Tyson’s strong run ended with the Vale conceding a corner from which the no. 9 volleyed over. Wallace drove a low shot from distance but George safely gathered to deny the visitors the opening goal. The half looked like ending goal-less when Crowther saved well from Lawrence’s free kick but with three minutes remaining the tie took a dramatic turn. A rare error in the heart of Swindon’s defence allowed Ormrod to steer a shot past George to put Vale ahead. Less than a minute later the Vale stunned the homesters when Webb lobbed the advancing George to double their lead. Swindon put their guests under pressure immediately from the re-start. Lea’s strength and pace took the winger past his marker only for Brinkley to bring him down on the corner of the penalty area. Lawrence delivered a well struck free-kick but Crowther was equal to the effort. On the opposite flank, Hopper’s mazy run and cross caused confusion in Vale’s defence. This was followed by both Broadbank and Tyson shooting wide. Despite this pressure Swindon found themselves three goals down when Farmer converted Masters’ cross from the right. To their credit Swindon responded valiantly and created several chances to reduce the areas. Another free kick from Lawrence was saved by Crowther before Lea headed wide and Tyson struck the crossbar. Further pressure from the homesters ended with Vale conceding a corner from which Tyson volleyed over. The visitors struggled to break out of their half as Swindon laid siege to their goal. Cremin, Tyson and Broadbank all went close for Swindon before Lawrence made it 3:1 with superb strike into the bottom left corner. Two minutes later Swindon’s persistence was rewarded when Tyson added a second from close range following a mêlée around the Vale’s penalty spot. The tie began to turn in Swindon’s favour as the Vale were forced to defend deep in their half. Cremin’s excellent cross just evaded Tyson and two free kicks, the first from Lawrence, then from Hopper were well saved by Crowther. A shot from the hard-working Philips almost levelled the scores. With five minutes remaining. Swindon should have scored a third when Tyson broke through with only Crowther to beat. He selflessly squared the ball but the pass failed to find a supporting player. A late riposte from Vale was palmed away by George and the visitors held on to book their place in the next round. At the final whistle Swindon’s disappointment was all too evident. They deserved to at least force the tie into extra-time and may even have won the match had they converted the numerous chances created.