Stonehouse, who early in the season had beaten Trowbridge, almost took a point in the return game at Trowbridge last Saturday. Their general team work was superior, especially at forward, where Trowbridge were handicapped through injuries. Player-Manager Haddon was absent, and Hancock and Greenland would both have been resting injuries had strong substitutes been available. Stonehouse failed because of Trowbridge's sound defence, in which Dennis Tuck, returning after injury, played with his customary skill at centre half.
Trowbridge badly miss a good, storming centre-forward. Skinner lacked leadership and punch in this position, but Grimason was much more effective at inside-right to Cyril Greenland, who played quite well in the unusual right-wing position. The Town forwards got in one or two creditable efforts early on, but many easy scoring opportunities were wasted through carelessness. Once Harmer (left back) headed off the goal line header from Grimason when Hazell centred beautifully. Comley also pushed a shot from Grimason round a post. Stonehouse improved, however, and their forwards, well led by the dashing Rew, always looked likely to score. They did, after 15 minutes, when Wright got the better of a stubborn tussle with Sutherland and centred for Buckland to head past Vince. Shortly afterwards Trowbridge had a penalty, but Comley saved Marshall's shot. It was the first lime that Haddon had not been able to take a "spot†kick. After Vince had saved brilliantly from Wright, and Hulbert had headed out of the goalmouth in the next minute. Trowbridge attacked, and from perfectly judged centre Hazell, on the left wing. Greenland met the ball first time and beat Comley. The ball had much force behind it that winded full-back Harmer. At half-time the score was 1-1.
Trowbridge took the lead after 10 minutes of the second half through Grimason, who broke through and beat Comley with a hard shot. Two minutes later, however, Stonehouse had called "quits" again. Wright, a very dangerous winger, centred splendidly and Rew beat Vince. The ball ran unkindly for Hazell on the hard ground and robbed him of at least one goal. Trowbridge s winning goal came in an unusual way. From a left-wing pass Greenland appeared to have a perfect opening for a shot, but the ball again bounced awkwardly and he failed to connect properly. The ball glanced off his right leg to Hancock, who seized his chance and shot the ball just inside the upright, though Comley appeared to be unsighted at the time.
Trowbridge's team was: Vince; Hulbert, Sutherland; Lovesey. Tuck. Marshall, Greenland, Grimason, Skinner, Hancock. Hazell.
Report from The Wiltshire Times
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