Ian Allinson left relieved as St Albans City ‘get away with murder’ with Poole victory
Percy Kiangebeni pounces for St Albans City's late winner against Poole Town. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
Ian Allinson’s post-match opinion after watching his St Albans City side battle back to snatch a 2-1 win over Poole Town with another late goal was forthright, honest and told you everything you needed to know when he said “we got away with murder there”.
Percy Kiangebeni and St Albans City celebrate their late winner against Poole Town. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
Marvin Brooks had put the visitors ahead in the first half and it seemed for long periods as if that would be the case.
But they got a bit of luck when goalkeeper Nick Hutchings went walkabout and Rhys Murrell-Williamson equalised from distance and they completed an unlikely three points with Percy Kiangebeni’s goal four minutes into added-on time.
It followed two late goals that beat Chippenham Town a few weeks ago as well as two strikes in the last 20 minutes against Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday night.
And the Saints boss, while naturally delighted with the win, was in doubt they had rode their luck.
Percy Kiangebeni and St Albans City celebrate their late winner against Poole Town. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
“We were second best from the first whistle,” he said.
“We gave the ball away cheaply there and we never kept the ball or retained possession for the full game.
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“We’ve got away with murder there.
“Dean [Snedker] has kept us in the game with a fantastic save around the hour mark to stop [James] Constable putting them 2-0 up.
Sam Merson takes a high ball down on his chest. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
“And that for me changed the game.
“We made a couple of changes, going to two up front, in an attempt to get us back in the game.
“We got very, very fortunate with the first goal. It was a great finish form Rhys but their keeper has come flying out and got nowhere near the ball.
“And I felt we started to get into the game and get a second and fortunately we did in the 94th minute.”
Shaun Lucien celebrates at the final whistle. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
The Poole players were visibly shell-shocked at the final whistle and you would have to be very harsh to say they didn’t deserve something from the game.
But Allinson wanted to praise his squad and their willingness to go until the final moments of a contest.
He said: “You don’t go into a game with the players they’ve got and don’t close them down or give them space because you’ll cause yourself problems.
“And that’s what we did today.
Rhys Murrell-Williamson puts in a cross for St Albans City against Poole Town. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
“But what I have to say is that the commitment from the players to stay in the game was fantastic.
“They could have easily thrown in the towel but we got a response in that final 20 minutes.
“It was nice for the bench to come on and help us.
“But it is a squad and we’ve utilised them to get something out of the game we probably didn’t deserve.”
Ben Herd looks to beat his man. Picture: BOB WALKLEY - Credit: Archant
