Mud, Rain and missed opportunities….

Chances in the 1st half came fairly quickly and the Maroons settled the quicker of the two sides. On 6 mins Ben Willmot fired in a low cross and Geoff Rickard’s first time shot saved by the keeper. 4 mins later a flick on from a goal kick saw Ben in on goal, again the keeper smothered the danger. Jamie Hampton fired in a low shot at the keeper on 21 mins and their keeper was forced to save from Jamie again 4 mins later. Cambridge were unsettled but did threaten through a succession of corners towards the end of the first half.

Coming back out with 0.0 at half time we were positive to get something from the game and from the start Geoff was through in on goal, unfortunately the keeper smothered just in time. Then came the game changing moment when Jamie Hampton was harshly shown a straight red for his tackle. Cambridge then used the extra man to their advantage by moving the ball around sharply. However, after a superb save from Jamie Clarke, Marcus Bathan saw his goal bound free kick bounce off the cross-bar.

Cambridge were forcing the game and a series of three corners forced a cross into the 6 yard area only for the ensuing scramble to be poked into the back of the net. 1.0 down and gutted! The Maroons bounced back and showed great spirit towards the end. Geoff was through on goal and the shot sailing to the back of the net only for play to be halted for off-side, very close indeed. Another chance fell to Robbie Leonard at the far post from a delightful Jeff Hekelaar cross and Steve Upfold lashed a shot wide in the dying minutes of the half.

So sadly it was not to be again. Once again we were forced to hear those resounding words from an opposition coach “ . I don’t know how we got the three points today; you were the better side and deserved more from the game”. Once again a game we should have won but to win you have to take your chances. Cambridge took theirs; we didn’t so no excuses really. A big thank you to the support for the day and to those who warmed the bench but didn’t get to play (we didn’t anticipate the red card). We have another home opportunity against Western Springs this Saturday and time to get the opposition coach’s praise and the three points! Keep the heads up and stay strong lads.


Team:- Jamie Clarke, Ben Johnstone, Marcus Bathan, Chris Rowe, Andy Hey, Jeff Hekelaar, Robbie Leonard, Ben Willmot (Joseph Morris 80), Steve Upfold (captain) Jamie Hampton, Geoff Rickard.

Subs not used: Jethro Conway, Andrew Lamborn, Colin Case

Man of the match: - Jamie Clarke