Walker grabs winner to keep Saints up on final day

While Saints beat Tamworth 1-0 relegation rivals Lowestoft Town could only draw 1-1 with Gloucester City. That means Saints stayed up on goal difference.

Glenn Walker grabbed the only goal in front of 600 fans at St James Park where there were celebrations at the final whistle for Kevin Wilkin’s side who ended the season with just one defeat in their final 11 games. Walker struck after the restart and Saints held on to record their most important clean sheet of the campaign.

A tight first period of few chances saw Saints fail to convert the best opportunity as Richard Batchelor saw his effort from Steve Diggin’s low cross well saved at close range by keeper James Belshaw. Meanwhile, at Crown Meadow, Lowestoft had the advantage.

Saints began the second half strongly and within minutes were in front. Morley’s free-kick saw David Moyo prod the ball back into the six-yard box and Walker neatly supplied the final touch.

Tamworth posed a continual threat with good possession but rarely tested Sam Hornby and referee Chris O’Donnell’s final whistle sparked jubilant scenes of celebration.

Wilkin said: “Scruffy goals are the best goals! David Moyo put the ball into a dangerous area and Glenn [Walker] has stuck it in.

“Up to that point I couldn’t see us scoring, we got into good areas and created the best two chances of the game. We missed a good one in the first half but scored the other.

“Things have gone our way at Lowestoft, we knew what was going on at that game. The players knew what was needed and that probably sharpened them up.

“Our game management was excellent and that was the most important clean sheet we’ve kept without a shadow of doubt. I’m pleased for everyone at the club, it’s been roller-coaster of a season.

“It’s a tough league and we need to make sure it doesn’t go to the last game of the season again.”