Cruse puts Ardley in control with another late winner

Substitute Matt Cruse grabbed the late winner as Ardley United beat Royal Wootton Bassett Town 2-1 in Saturday's UHLSport Hellenic League clash.
Substitute Matt Cruse grabbed the late winner for Ardley UnitedSubstitute Matt Cruse grabbed the late winner for Ardley United
Substitute Matt Cruse grabbed the late winner for Ardley United

For the second game running, Ardley left it late to pick up maximum premier division points against a Royal Wootton Basset side that looked as though they had repelled everything their hosts could throw at them.

But just like in midweek, those in sky blue found the back of the net in the final moments of the game to seal the win and move up to ninth.

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In a game of few chances an incredible finale with two goals from two substitutes in the final five minutes saw United come from behind to win it.

Reece Bayliss went close early on before Dan Bailey had Ardley keeper Lee Farrow diving away to keep out his shot from the edge of the area. But from the resulting corner Steve Yeardley found some space at the back post to head the visitors ahead.

Ardley picked up the pace as the second half wore on with Luke Cray, Ryan Knight and Leam Howards all having chances before their guests hit the post late on.

Ardley equalised with four minutes left, a cross into the box saw substitute Jack Ross flick on to Cray. He cushioned the ball down for Ross to fire into the bottom corner.

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It was all Ardley and another cross from the right caused chaos in the box, a Bradley Cox header, and shots from Chris Jackson and Dan Meade were all desperately blocked.

But in added-time, Cruse got away down the right and unleashed an unstoppable rocket that flew into the top corner of the net.

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