Super subs come to the rescue against Wembley
Flackwell Heath are just a point off leaders Reading City after grinding out a 2-1 win over Wembley at Wilks Park on Saturday,
Jayden Moore and Callum Bunting coming off the bench to turn the game in the hosts’ favour.
The game sprang into life shortly after halftime when Wembley scored a goal against the general run of play, but the Heathens showed the character of potential promotion contenders as they found a way to win the game, Bunting heading home with eight minutes to play.
The top of the Combined Counties Premier Division North remains incredibly congested, but Flackwell rose to second off the back of this victory, their fifth in six matches.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t back it up in the cup on Tuesday as their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup tie at Buckingham Athletic was postponed for a second week running. When it is eventually played, the winners will take on Amersham in the second round.
Reflecting on Saturday’s win, manager Chris Ayres said: “We knew it would be a tough game because they’ve done well this season and last season.
“We were on top, but they caught us with their first shot on goal. It knocked us back for 10 minutes, but we had some good attackers on the bench. Paul (Shone) and I changed it, went 44-2, and Jayden Moore and Callum Bunting got the goals. We showed
great character to turn it around and we got what we deserved. Last year we might not have turned that around. We have some stronger characters now, with Mark Nisbet coming in. He doesn't let the young boys mope around, he's brilliant in making sure the young players stay at it. It’s difficult for them but they're learning quickly, and they showed belief.”
He added: “We just got to keep trying to win, because there aren’t many teams being dropped by the top teams. We will just keep ticking them off and see where we are at Christmas.”
The Heathens travel to promotion rivals Burnham at the 1878 Stadium on Saturday, with Ayres coaching several of the Blues’ team – as well as a few of Flackwell's players – at the FAB Academy.
“I know they're up for it, which is great. It's a local derby. should be a decent crowd, and again another test for us. At home on their 3G they're a real threat.”