Waudby wondergoal seals win for Swans over Pickering

Tom Waudby’s thunderbolt just 30 seconds into the second half secured a 1-0 win over a resilient Pickering Town side. It was a strong display from the Swans, with plenty of possession, which sealed another win and a clean sheet, despite a penalty miss from Barton.

Harrison Coley made his 100th Swans appearance for the club with only one change to the starting lineup; Danny Chapman in for Jock Curran, who was ill.

It was a scrappy first half from both sides, a few half chances and fouls with neither side able to get a foothold in the game. The Swans were enjoying plenty of the ball, playing it around, but just couldn’t get that goal that the play deserved.

Midway through the first half Josh Smaller made a run from the heart of defence before lashing a strike from distance, but Pickering goalkeeper Charlie Preston pulled off a good save. A few minutes later he was called into action again when Clark Greaves struck from distance with a venomous strike which stung the palms of Preston, but saved nonetheless.

Half time came and went, no goals for the Swans but dominance on the ball, however it took just 30 seconds after the break for the Swans to finally take the lead.

A long ball over from the defence was headed by Dan Chapman and then the midfielder spotted Tom Waudby in space, and laid it off to the winger. Waudby struck first time with a sweet shot from 25 yards out which sailed into the top left corner. Waudby’s tenth goal of the season after just seven appearances for the attacker.

Moments later Scott Matthews curled in a sweet cross which found Chapman in the area. He took a touch and curled his strike over the bar. Almost two for the Swans. A few minutes after Harrison Coley ran onto a long through ball with Preston rushing out to narrow the gap. Coley prodded it past the Pickering ‘keeper but his touch was too heavy, resulting in a lunged shot into the side netting.

With 20 minutes to go an innocuous Pickering goal kick was charged down by Waudby, with Preston bringing down the Swans attacker before he could tap into an empty net, a spot kick awarded and a yellow card for Preston. He atoned for this however by saving Waudby’s powerful penalty, a great save.

Sam Cable returned from suspension and replaced Coley with ten minutes to go. He almost made an immediate impact when another long through ball over the top was ran onto by Cable. Preston again came out to narrow the gap but Cable instead tried shooting instead of taking it around him. His shot just wide.

Nathan Hotte came off soon before the end with a hamstring issue, being replaced by Tom Davie as the Swans looked to hold on as Pickering looked to grab an equalizer.

While they fought the Swans hit them on the counter, outnumbering the defence and closing in on goal. The ball was squared by Chapman and Waudby’s shot was blocked by a defender, the rebound then blocked on the line too as somehow they kept the Swans out.

The win was secured and the Swans back to winning ways following the FA Vase defeat last week.