Two second half goals turned the game around for the Peacocks who gained a 3-2 BetVictor Southern League win over Gosport Borough at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium this afternoon (4th January)
It was an important win for Town who bounced back after suffering two successive defeats over the festive period. The game started well enough for the hosts, Matt Wright pushed by Dan Strugnell to concede a 6th minute penalty and although Gosport keeper Ben Dudzinski blocked Andrew Neal’s spot kick, Ryan Brett fired in the rebound to put the Peacocks ahead. However, another penalty award at the other end when Nick Grimes was adjudged to have fouled an opponent challenging for a corner gave Rory Williams the chance to draw his side level from the spot on 11 minutes and just three minutes later Borough had taken the lead when George Barker’s shot from the edge of the box was parried by Lloyd Irish and Flood was first to pounce and slot in the loose ball.
Both sides continued to have attempts at goal without luck until the 73rd minute when Town, having thrown on all three substitutes, equalised through Dan Sullivan who headed in Shane White’s cross from the left. Then, just two minutes later, the game had swung full circle and back in the Peacocks’ favour, with Ollie Chamberlain receiving Owen Windsor’s pass to strike with a shot from the edge of the box which Dudzinski could only help into the net. Irish saved well from Sam Argent as Gosport searched for parity, but Town saw out the remainder of the game to claim the points and maintain fifth spot in the table.
Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” Character prevailed and the ability to keep going and find a way shone through today. It was a tough game and a classic Southern Premier match at this time of year. The win is all that matters and now we go again.” More reaction from Rob can be seen on Peacocks TV HERE and match highlights can be viewed HERE