St Neots gave their supporters a bit of a shock at Barwell (the home of Hinckley AFC). After totally bossing the first half in which they dominated and created (and missed) a hat full of excellent chances they conceded a goal after 53 minutes to go behind for the first time since 1st March but then recovered to equalise two minutes later and go on score two more goals to continue their winning run. It was a special day for striker Rhys Thorpe who opened St Neots account to claim his thirtieth goal of the season – the first player since 2015 to achieve this milestone. With skipper Robbie Parker unavailable and Connor Furlong unwell Manager Cameron Mawer had to make enforced team changes, and he rested Kieran Barnes bringing in Nathan George in defence and Danny Baulk and Cole Butler in a reshaped attack.
The first half was a revelation for the supporters but incredibly failed to produce a goal. For the opening 25 minutes St Neots totally dominated play creating countless chances that either went begging or were saved by inspired home keeper Keelan Fallows. Time and again he was in the right place and when his goal should have been breached St Neots finishing was wayward. In St Neots first attack after two minutes newcomers to the team both Danny Baulk and Cole Butler saw net-bound efforts blocked by defenders and then Fallows produced a stunning full length save to deny Rhys Thorpe from a Baulk cross. Baulk then shot wide after going clear of the defence, and then Butler shot wide after seeing another effort well saved. Harvey Williams was terrorising his marker, and he shot wide and then saw Fallows save and then a Murphy Culkin effort was headed off the line by Chandler Pegg. After half an hour St Neots keeper James Goff was in action for the first time saving from Hinckley’s first shot on target by Jared Bradshaw. The half ended with Fallows twice saving well to deny Baulk and Thorpe.
After the break the home side adopted a more attacking approach and were rewarded after just five minutes when from a corner Brian Kolyrelon forced the ball home from close range. It took St Neots just two minutes to get over the shock and claim an equaliser when Rhys Thorpe (top left) headed home a Sam Willis cross in a swift response. St Neots then brought on substitute Kieran Barnes who was quickly in the thick of the action. He set up Amaeshike to force a good save from Fallows and then after 67 minutes the lively Williams was upended in the penalty area and a spot kick awarded.
The usually reliable Sam Willis saw his effort pushed away by the inspired goalkeeper but ten minutes later as the home side appeared to tire and after their keeper had again saved well from Barnes, Mike Amaeshike (above left) followed up to give St Neots the lead with 23 minutes left. A Barnes shot hit the post and a Williams effort was a foot wide but the icing on the cake came four minutes into added time when substitute Shane Fox (right) was put clear of the defence to add the third goal. St Neots now look forward to receiving trophy and medals at their last home game with GNG Oadby Town on Easter Saturday.
Today’s Saints Supporters’ Man Of The Match, In association with The Greystones Public House, Sawtry –
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, George, Bowen, Baulk, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Butler, Williams
Subs: Barnes (for Baulk 56 mins), Fox (for Thorpe 76 mins), Sutherland (for Williams 90+1 min), and Mawer.
Cards: Thorpe (Y – 32 mins), Amaeshike (Y – 48 mins), George (Y – 63 mins)
Goals: Thorpe (55 mins), Amaeshike (77 mins), Fox (90+4 mins)
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