FROM a dull procession to an astonishing thriller in the space of 14 minutes. Bels returned to the top of the Priaulx League last night thanks to a 4-2 win over St Martin’s at the Track in a match that had pretty much everything, with the notable exception of red cards.
Two goal-of-the-season contenders from Scott Bradford and Matt Drillot had given the hosts a 2-0 interval lead, having also had a first-half penalty saved.
American newcomer Mark Laws made it three before Saints suddenly sprung into life in the final quarter with Charlie Pinsard and Matt Palmer narrowing the gap to a single goal.
Simon Marley made the points safe for Bels, but the biggest talking point came after that when a bout of fisticuffs broke out between Bradford and Ben Coulter, which led to the majority of other players getting involved with some pushing and shoving.
Referee Colin Gontier dealt with the matter with a firm talking to and a handshake between the two initial protagonists, with most in the ground expecting them to be ‘walked’. The official found an ally, though, in Bels coach Micky Ogier.
‘It was a bit of handbags and from my point of view I like to see people stay on the pitch and just play football. I think he did the right thing,’ he said.
‘To be honest, the game should have been over in the first half. We were far better than them and then for about 25 minutes into the second as well.’
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