Waldrom scores all four as Indies keep title hopes alive

Two down to the current league leaders Yobbos inside 19 minutes on Saturday, Tom Still’s side showed all the fighting qualities you would expect of champions to force their way back into what was a must-win game for the men in orange and turn things around in comprehensive style to claim a 4-2 win, three vital points and close the gap on the pink-and-whites.

Of course, it helps when you have Steve Waldrom in your ranks too.

The prolific forward gave a terrific demonstration of his all-round game in scoring all four of his side’s goals to ensure that they remain in the thick of the title race.

As for Yobbos, defeat meant that their seven-match winning streak came to an end, but they still have their fate in their own hands.

The absence of Matt Stokes, in particular, was also a contributing factor to their first reversal since October as not only did they miss their Island midfielder’s influence, it also meant an increased workload for those on duty this time and fatigue played a part in their downfall after they had got off to a flier.

Within the opening 100sec. Indies goalkeeper Rob Turville had already been called into action to block Will Thompson’s shot and the Guernsey midfielder was heavily involved again five minutes later when his driving run created a chance for Ant Stokes, who weaved through a couple of tackles inside the D but was off balance as he attempted to get his shot away.

It seemed only a matter of time before Yobbos made the breakthrough and it came on 12min.

Stokes won the ball high up the pitch on the left and within a couple of swift, clinical passes, Kevin Smith had teed up Peter Birch and the youngster lifted the ball into the net from close range.

The same three players combined again almost immediately to create another good chance, only for Dan Brittain to make an initial block and Turville saved a follow-up effort.

However, Thompson gave the keeper no chance with the second goal on 18min.

With an advantage being played, Thompson was alert to the situation in picking up the ball and striding into the D before firing across Turville into the corner to double Yobbos’ lead.

Indies had to respond and they quickly moved up a gear.

In the space of two minutes Alex Setters had a shot blocked – he and his teammates believing illegally by a foot – before Jack Webber repelled Will Dawe’s reverse-stick strike and moments later the keeper saved from Sam Ferry.

Still then marauded forward and smacked a volley over the bar, much to his own disappointment, but pressure was building and Indies got the goal they desperately needed just before the interval.

After the last in a series of three short-corners, Yobbos failed to clear properly and although Webber made a fine stop to deny Jack Smart, Waldrom was on hand to turn in the rebound and halve the deficit.

Just three minutes into the second half, Indies were level.

The goal came from the penalty spot after Waldrom’s short-corner drag flick hit the body of a goal-line defender. The forward converted the stroke with minimal fuss.

The oranges were now on a roll and six minutes later they were ahead for the first time.

This time Waldrom opted for power at a short-corner and his low drive could not be stopped.

The knockout blow then came midway through the second half as Indies broke away and Waldrom used his skill to take the ball around Webber and slot home to complete a big win for Indies.

Yobbos will look to bounce back from the defeat against the other side in the three-way title race, Colombians, on Saturday at 2pm.