One goal enough to keep Blues comeback on track

It was perhaps understandable at the end of Thursday night's very hard-fought and emotional encounter that Jim Cooper and Gavin Macpherson gave themselves a little hug to celebrate another Blues win that lifted them to ninth place in the Ryman Division One South table.

High-flyers Walton found themselves up against a Blues side whose spirit remains unbroken and commitment is second to none.

It could however have been so different had the Swans not missed a golden opportunity after only five minutes.

Nicky Humphrey, chasing a home side striker into the Blues area, unexpectedly mistimed his tackle and brought down the player.

No dispute, penalty awarded. The spotkick was on target but reliable Mo Maan read it well and went the right way to make not for the first time this season a comfortable penalty save.

That was all the encouragement the Blues needed. Within eight minutes, an attack down the left flank found Michael Cobden on the overlap and he drove the ball into the back of the net for what proved the only goal of the night.

The game if anything increased in passion and excitement the longer it went on.

Chances were created by both sides. Maan made two great saves.

It would also be true to say that a few times during the game the Blues went off the boil slightly, giving the ball away unnecessarily.

The Swans had a clear header from a corner to equalise but the ball soared over the Blues bar.

Ron Edwards tried to weave some of his magic with a delicate chip just outside the area which left the keeper stranded but just shaved the wrong side of the cross bar.

Manager Cooper, faced with four league games in eight days, has been forced to make full use of all his squad and rest his players whenever possible.

He used all his three substitutes to good use in the second half.

It is enjoyable to see that whoever is playing they still play as a team and give their full commitment.

Congratulations are in order for another win.

However, this Saturday, the Blues face without a doubt their biggest league challenge so far this season when they entertain Folkestone Invicta, who top the table despite being deducted 10 points.

That game will sort out the men from the boys! Game on.

POLICE: Maan, Gledhill, Cobden, Sutherland, Humphrey, Smith, Edwards, Francis, Carley, Drewett, Wright.

SUBS USED: Simpson, Brown, Kiganda

ATTENDANCE: 84