Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division

ST NEOTS TOWN           1           CARLTON TOWN         2         

For the second time this season St Neots ran the runaway league leaders Carlton Town very close, beaten by the odd goal in three in what was a tight contest. In a match where the visiting goalkeeper was the busier of the two, St Neots could have produced an upset but Carlton plough on, now leading the league table by fourteen points with the chasing pack faltering. St Neots were without striker Neo Richard-Noel who is recovering from injury, and that gave James Stainsby another opportunity to lead the attack, but he got little joy against one of the meanest defences in the league.The home side defended well but was still breached twice – the second time by a first touch of a substitute and they failed to turn some swift attacking play into clear chances. They now regroup for their midweek Hunts Senior Cup semi-final visit of neighbours Eynesbury Rovers.

After an evenly matched start St Neots had the first significant chance when following a corner, the ball fell to defender Charlie Bowen but off balance he could only fire over the bar. However, the visitors were happy to play keep-ball building up their attacks patiently to wait for an opening. Harvey Williams was tormenting the visiting defence and after a quarter of an hour he was brought down on the edge of the visiting box earning two visiting players yellow cards – one for the foul and the second for his persistent protests at the decision. Kieran Barnes’ free kick was saved at full stretch by visiting keeper Felix Annan and at the other end Ashley Chambers fired over the bar. Then after 34 minutes the visitors went ahead as former St Neots player Lamin Manneh robbed a home defender and crossed for Ashley Chambers to take full advantage of slack marking to score from close range. St Neots responded but saw visiting defender Ewan Robson clear off the line to maintain the visitors’ narrow advantage. Just before the break the home defence was breached again but visiting skipper Niall Davie fired over the bar.

St Neots looked determined after the break, and they took the game to their visitors but found it difficult to create a significant opening. Manneh shot wide as the visitors broke forward but St Neots looked good in possession but still finding the visiting defence well organised and sound. Then then visitors opted for a significant change in their attack introducing substitute Oliver Clark and within a minute of arriving he doubled Carlton’s tally with his first touch – a spectacular volley on the turn that was to prove decisive. Williams broke clear but shot wide but with nine minutes left St Neots deservedly got some reward for their efforts when Rhys Thorpe netted from a corner. That last frantic period saw St Neots in control but unable to break down the stubborn well organised visiting back line, with Carlton holding on to complete that important league double to extend their lead at the top of the table.

 

Today’s Saints Supporters Man Of The Match – In association with The Greystones Public House, Sawtry – LEWIS BURGESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Neots Town:  Goff, Agemoh-Davies, Burgess, Parker, Henderson, Bowen, Willis,

Stainsby, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams

Subs:  Muyembe (for Barnes 75 mins), Obeng (for Stainsby 75 mins), Dias and Ankrah.

Cards:  Bowen (Y – 44 mins). Parker (Y – 46 mins), Agemoh-Davies (Y – 58 mins)

Goal:  Thorpe (81 mins)

 

Carlton Town:  Annan, Brown, Durow, Freeman, Robson, Howes, Manneh, Watson, Chambers, Davie, Hylton

Subs:  Clark (for Davie 68 mins), Dawson (for Howes 81 mins), Law (for Chambers 90+2 mins), Bateman and Sargent.

Cards:  Watson (Y – 19 mins), Manneh (19 mins), Clark (88 mins), Brown (90+2 mins)

Goals: Chambers (34 mins), Clark 69 mins)

Attendance: 258

Referee:  Luke Scott (Northampton)

(John Walker)