Zak Bell-ter Sends Paddock To The Summit

17 August 2024

Zak Bell-ter Sends Paddock To The Summit

A stunning first half volley from Zak Bell stole the show as Stretford Paddock claimed three important points against winless visitors Wigan Town.

Expectant Paddock supporters returned to the Project Solar Stadium for the second time in four days to celebrate the clubs inaugural Members Day. Many members used to opportunity to attend a game for the first time this season –  as did manager Stephen Howson returning from his three-match touchline ban.

Paddock made 3 changes to the team that faced Newton Athletic in midweek,  in came Joao De Andrade, Kayode Adewale and Janeiro Salmon-Harris, replacing Mike Taylor, Josh Mbala and pull up champion Vic Iyumva.

With photoshoots, flares and new giant flags in place to mark the occasion, Paddock supporters were acutely aware that defeat at home would be quite the humiliation after such a big prematch build-up. The team determined to serve the humiliation were opponents Wigan Town.

Wigan Town arrived at today’s game without a win after five Division Two games, picking up their solitary point of the season with a goalless draw against Maine Road Reserves. While they would likely start the game as underdogs, Wigan are much improved from the side that conceded large numbers of goals last season. Despite no wins so far in the 24/25 campaign, two of their defeats so far had been by just one goal. Fine margins.

If Paddock were not aware of how much Wigan had improved over the close season, they learned very fast as Wigan fashioned the first chance of the game after just six minutes. Wigan played a long diagonal pass from left to right which the Wigan wide man collected unchallenged. He carried the ball forward before slipping in his teammate with a through ball which he shot first time. But – as on many occasions this season – the outstretched left boot of Paddock stopper Florian Salecanu blocked the strike and blocked Wigan from taking a shock early lead.

Wigan’s effective energy levels made the first quarter of the game quite a gritty affair, with both sides committed to winning back possession fast but struggling to create chances of note. Paddock first clear sight of goal came from Janeiro Salmon-Harris who chose to strike a low drilled pass from Joao Andrade first time, but couldn’t keep it down. Despite very few clear chances, De Andrade was looking the most likely source, with his pace, and direct running down the Paddock right flank. However, the Wigan resistance was formidable for the opening thirty minutes and it looked like it would take something spectacular to break their resolve. Then it happened.

A poor corner from Paddock didn’t beat the first man on the near post, but the headed clearance looped out of the penalty area and onto the right boot of Zak Bell. From 25 yards out, he powerfully volleyed the ball back above a crowded penalty area, underneath the crossbar and crashing into the net. A genuine goal-of-the-season contender from Bell, scoring only his second Paddock goal on his 41st appearance. Paddock had enjoyed the bulk of the possession, but the goal was harsh on Wigan who had defended with great intensity. But just a few minutes later, they only had themselves to blame as Paddock doubled their lead.

The Wigan defence had possession of the ball in their own penalty area and under no pressure at all from the Paddock forwards, risked a cross field pass out of defence which went straight to Paddock winger Ronaldo Brown. With time and space, Brown steadied himself on the edge of the area, opened up his body and bent the ball into the far top corner in off the post. A really impressive and composed finish from Ronaldo for his first goal of the season.

The goal seemed to impact the Wigan team. They seemed suddenly disorganised and flustered giving away possession needlessly in dangerous areas. Paddock pressed on for more goals and Wigan attempted to hold on for the half time whistle to get reorganised.

Much to their relief the referee put a halt to the game without Paddock adding to the scoresheet and the two goal lead remained going into the break.

The break was just what Wigan needed, and it had exactly the impact they would’ve desired. They came out fully organised and full of energy and commitment.

Within four minutes of the second half, Wigan had their best chance of the game. Wigan played out nicely from defence, with a defender carrying the ball into midfield unopposed. From the half way line he slid a through ball to the alert Wigan forward who raced onto the pass. Paddock appealed for offside, but the referee indicated for play to continue. Wigan’s number nine bent the ball around the keeper and onto the base of the post and Paddock cleared. However, Paddock didn’t come away completely unscathed from this passage of play as Ronaldo Brown suffered a hamstring injury which meant he had to be replaced by Tayo Tek.

Wigan’s bright start to the second half just couldn’t find a breakthrough, and they were made to pay their price when Paddock took their next chance. Wigan’s hard work and admirable effort was undone by a poor pass from their defence when attempting to play out. The full back lost possession playing a blind pass on the edge of his own penalty area and the ball was collected by Kayode Adewale who bundled his way into the box brushing off the defender in the process. His low strike was impressively saved by the feet of the Wigan stopper, but the ball deflected into the air for a grateful Adewale to head in the rebound from close range.

The third goal of the day sealed the win for Paddock and Wigan seemed to acknowledge this as the energy on the field dropped. A rare foray forward after 70 minutes for Wigan was struck straight at Florian who made his final save of the afternoon to secure his second clean sheet in four Paddock appearances. Late substitute Victor Iyumva had a late chance in the dying stages to add a fourth, but his shot was hit directly at the keeper instead of finding its intended target.

Wigan Town left Manchester without any points or a goal to show for their valiant efforts. But they did leave with a great amount of credit from the 100+ in attendance for the vast transformation the team has enjoyed in the past few months. 

Stratford Paddock however continue their unbeaten start to the season, with three wins from four. The result elevated Paddock to the top of Division Two for the first time this season, ahead of St Helens Town on goal difference. 

But you don’t win anything in August!

 

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