Taunton_Shrimp
First XI
SALTER STRIKES SEE ROBINS CLOSE GAP
Former Southend United striker Mark Salter netted a quick-fire brace in the second period to hand the Robins another important three points. The result at Mill Road on Saturday was made even more significant by the fact that leaders Bideford drew 0-0 at home to Hallen. Frome are now three points adrift of the table-toppers but they have played one game more.
After a goal-less first period, Frome's game came to life when the hosts took the lead on the hour. That seemed to spark the Mendip outfit into action and they responded with two goals in five minutes from Salter. His first was a rebound after a free-kick had been saved and his second was a reaction strike in the box.
The game ended with much debate when a Barnstaple player was fouled whilst running through on goal. Most onlookers thought the incident happened inside the box but the referee, after speaking with one of his assistants, gave a free-kick.
Winning boss Andy Crabtree said: "We played well in the first half without scoring. We then conceded a scrappy goal but scored two in five minutes in reply through Mark Salter. Mark only had three chances in the game so the fact he scored two proves his worth.
"However, I thought we were lucky in the end. In the last minute one of their guys was clean through and was fouled. I thought it happened in the box but the ref gave it outside so they are bound to feel a bit aggrieved. Saying that, Dean Griffths had a 'goal' disallowed for us so it would seem these things even themselves out."
Former Southend United striker Mark Salter netted a quick-fire brace in the second period to hand the Robins another important three points. The result at Mill Road on Saturday was made even more significant by the fact that leaders Bideford drew 0-0 at home to Hallen. Frome are now three points adrift of the table-toppers but they have played one game more.
After a goal-less first period, Frome's game came to life when the hosts took the lead on the hour. That seemed to spark the Mendip outfit into action and they responded with two goals in five minutes from Salter. His first was a rebound after a free-kick had been saved and his second was a reaction strike in the box.
The game ended with much debate when a Barnstaple player was fouled whilst running through on goal. Most onlookers thought the incident happened inside the box but the referee, after speaking with one of his assistants, gave a free-kick.
Winning boss Andy Crabtree said: "We played well in the first half without scoring. We then conceded a scrappy goal but scored two in five minutes in reply through Mark Salter. Mark only had three chances in the game so the fact he scored two proves his worth.
"However, I thought we were lucky in the end. In the last minute one of their guys was clean through and was fouled. I thought it happened in the box but the ref gave it outside so they are bound to feel a bit aggrieved. Saying that, Dean Griffths had a 'goal' disallowed for us so it would seem these things even themselves out."
