It was a disappointing start to the match, Dan Cousens going down injured holding his head on five minutes, before having to be replaced by Jamie Eveleigh on 18 minutes. Then four minutes later, the visitors took the lead. Academy Graduate Rob Crane firing into the bottom corner. With 10 minutes of the half remaining, we were very nearly two behind, as Rob Crane once again found himself free, but his header was just over the bar. As stoppage time approached, we had a huge chance to equalise. However, Romario couldn’t guide his effort on target, he was being taken out by the opposition ‘keeper, so a difficult chance from close range in the end. Right on the stroke of half time, James Bradbrook did what he did best... a fierce low effort was superbly denied by the feet of our Number One.

In the second half, we started much better after a frankly lacklustre opening 45. Much crisper passing and sharper touches, as we looked to get level. 10 minutes into the half, Phillip Bampoe’s debut came to an end, replaced by Reuben Swann, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. An error from the full-back and Reuben was on to it like a flash, taking a few touches as he drove into the penalty area, and then... BANG! Rifled into the bottom corner! A delightful finish from our star boy! Kaya Donohoe, another academy player, was making his first start for the first team and he almost scored what would have been a super header. Reuben once again drove and crossed a delightful ball into the box... but the header was inches over the bar. In the final minute, Albie Armin, already on a yellow, was shown a second yellow for a foul on Reuben. Joe Neal stood over what was the final kick of the game, but it was just over the bar.

Well, that derby had it all; yellow cards, red cards, crunching challenges, splendid saves, super strikes and it all ended with a point for each side. Now we welcome Stamford on Saturday.
UP THE SUDS
By
Isaac Mennie