United Counties League Premier Division South
Eynesbury Rovers 0 St Neots Town 0
23 years in the waiting, the Boxing Day derby match between the two most senior clubs in the town, turned out to be somewhat of a damb squib in a game which both sides displayed little penetrative attacking prowess and the defences of both teams dominated. In fact, there wasnt a single shot on target registered by either team in a game watched by an absolutely fantastic crowd of almost 800 people in the winter sunshine, which, as the game went on disappeared as did the likelyhood of either team finding a winner with both sides not wanting to make a defensive mistake and let the opposition in and snatch the bragging rights.
23 years in the waiting, the Boxing Day derby match between the two most senior clubs in the town, turned out to be somewhat of a damb squib in a game which both sides displayed little penetrative attacking prowess and the defences of both teams dominated. In fact, there wasnt a single shot on target registered by either team in a game watched by an absolutely fantastic crowd of almost 800 people in the winter sunshine, which, as the game went on disappeared as did the likelyhood of either team finding a winner with both sides not wanting to make a defensive mistake and let the opposition in and snatch the bragging rights.Manager Cameron Mawer chose to make one change from the team which had won late on at Easington in the previous game, reinstating the previously suspended Jordan Brown in place of youngster Issy Ajana on the right wing, with the latter taking a berth on the Substitutes bench.
Our hosts had the first real chance of the game when Dixon when he had a long range effort blocked then shortly after an audacious lob from around 30 yards by Rzeszutek flew wide of the mark with keeper Goff stranded in no mans land. Nathan George was to have our only notable attempt on goal, a header from a corner, but this went harmlessly wide and the game passed by until the referee brought the first half to an end with no real threats on either goal.
The second half began with expectant travelling support awaiting the second half onslaught however this was never going to arrive, the closest we came to breaking the deadlock was when Rhys Thorpe evaded the shackles of his marker and sped away down the left wing and cut back a delicious cross into the six yard box but it was agonisingly out of the reach of the incoming Jordan Brown’s outstretched boot and sailed away for a goal kick.
With the clock ticking away, the game was petering out to it’s conclusion and the only real moments of note where when the hosts’ teenage substitute, George Holley, picked up a yellow card for a tug of a shirt and then was given a second yellow in the 78th minute when he was deemed to have dived in the Saints’ penalty area. Sadly, St Neots couldn’t make their numerical advantage count in the remaining minutes and the game ended with honours even and the Saints unbeaten in five outings and the hosts with a valuable point as they look to pull themselves away from the dreaded relegation zone down to Step Six.
Manager Cameron Mawer said afterwards “If you can’t win, don’t lose the game” and they did just that. The team will have one more training session on Thursday evening before entertaining a fast improving Histon side at the Premier Plus Stadium on Saturday 30th December.
Today’s Travelling Saints Supportres’ Man of the Match – kindly sponsored by The Greystones Public House, Sawtry
RHYS THORPE
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