De Bont clean sheet sustains unbeaten run
Swindon Supermarine 0-0 Willenhall Town
By Martyn Simpson
A bore draw at Hunts Copse ensured that Willenhall’s unbeaten start to the season remained in tact, and though he had little to do, new man between the sticks Andy De Bont was the catalyst for the welcome clean sheet.
Following Mark Shiels’ recent poor form, manager Rob Smith decided to recall De Bont to the Reds squad, despite him spending a year out of the game. However, a commanding performance will surely mean that De Bont’s second spell with Willenhall is more than just a fleeting visit.
There were two other changes to the side that drew at Stourport, with Scott Voice and Jamie Petty unfit, allowing starts for Sean Platt and Phil Rowe. Willenhall were fairly comfortable for the whole game, De Bont’s organisational skills and willingness to claim any balls pumped into the box were real confidence boosters to the Reds rearguard.
Though there was little to shout about in terms of goalmouth incident, there was one major talking point, which occurred in the 21st minute. Right in front of the linesman, Dean Perrow tangled with Swindon’s Chris Copp. Perrow was the recipient of a blow to the face, in full view of the linesman, and the whole escapade sparked unpleasant scenes on the pitch. Somehow the inevitable red card never materialised, and Copp escaped with a caution and this set a precedent for several other meaty challenges in a bad tempered game which yielded six yellow cards.
Martin Myers came closest for the visitors, but from close range shot straight at the keeper, and though he couldn’t hold onto it, the Swindon defence hacked the ball to safety. The hosts could have sneaked it late on, but overall honours even was a fair reflection of a game lacking in cutting edge and quality in the final third.
Reds line up: De Bont; Platt, Newall, Khela; Campbell, Rowe, Rochester (Myers 68), Sheppard, Vaughan; Perrow (Quilt 59), Danks (Holland 70). Subs not used: Voice, Chambers
Swindon Supermarine line up: King; Copp, Evans, Bennett, Howell; Allen, Edwards, Jenkins, Harris; Davies, Prattley. Subs: Pratt, Slattery, Joyce, Newman