'Frustrating' performance sees Kenilworth Wardens drop points to promotion rivals Triumph
By James Smith
29th Nov 2021 | Football
Third placed Triumph Athletic Reserves came from a goal down to claim all three points at Glasshouse Lane.
The victory leaves Triumph just a point behind Kenilworth Wardens in the Coventry Alliance Division One, but with three games in hand.
The result left Wardens manager Eamonn Richards "frustrated" after an "embarrassing" end to the game from his players.
"I thought we were the better side for 75 minutes and deserved at least a draw, but the last 15 minutes were embarrassing and we really didn't look like equalising," he said.
Wardens had started the game well, pressing and forcing Triumph - who were boosted by a number of first team players dropping down - into errors.
And they got their reward with the opening goal on 15 minutes.
Sam Taylor played a good ball down the left hand side to Guy Pearson, who put an inch perfect cross for Dan Twigger to volley in from eight yards out.
Wardens should doubled their lead on 25 minutes. Taylor again played Pearson in behind Triumph's defence to round the keeper, but Pearson's shot was blocked on the line by a recovering defender.
Triumph equalised against the run of play on 30 minutes. A routine long ball wasn't dealt with by Kenilworth which left Hussama Noma free to tap in a simple finish.
After drawing level the away side continued to push and started to dominate possession. On 40 minutes Triumph took the lead on a counter attack with Jack Haydon finishing past Kenilworth keeper Andy Whitehouse.
Wardens could have restored parity just before half time but a Taylor set piece was headed narrowly wide by Andy Legg.
The second half started in the way the first half ended with Triumph dominating possession, but struggling to test Andy Whitehouse in the Wardens goal.
However, on 55 minutes Wardens equalised. A good ball forward was chased by Twigger, who beat his man and crossed for Pearson to bundle over the line.
Wardens looked the most likely to score the winner but it was Triumph Reserves who took the lead on 75 minutes.
After losing the ball 30 yards out from goal, the ball fell to Triumphs winger who crossed to Jack McGuire who was completely unmarked six yards out for a simple tap in.
Triumph managed the rest of the game and looked more likely to add to their lead in the closing minutes.
The result leaves Wardens still looking for their first clean sheet of the season, having conceded three or more goals on five separate occasions this campaign.
Richards, who has his eyes set on promotion this season, added: "We have a really good depth and quality to our side which is why us gifting two or three goals to the opposition every game is getting more and more frustrating.
"We need to take our chances and concentrate for 90 minutes not 85 minutes."
Share: