WE MARCH ON WITH ANOTHER FINE WIN
We are fast running out of superlatives to describe what the players and managers/coaches have achieved this season particularly since Xmas. Quite simply its been magnificent to have a run of 20 games unbeaten in all competition and to concede just one goal in our last 10 games. On Saturday we travelled 45 miles to play Baldock Town for our penultimate League game of the season coming away with a 3-0 victory with all the goals coming in the second half.
There was nothing at stake for either side as we were already guaranteed the Runners-Up spot and Baldock were safe from relegation after winning their 3 previous games but it was a lovely day to watch a game of football at Arlesey Town’s very nice stadium which is where our hosts ground share.
Ryan Sturges and his coaching team wisely took the opportunity to make some changes to our line up and formation especially as we had a number of players missing (eg Shep, Josh, Kieran and new comer Michael Olulode) and more importantly some tough and important games coming up.
Both teams started off playing some good football which was entertaining but neither keeper was overly tested. We were creating some opportunities with some decent crosses going into the oppositions box but we were unable to get on the end of them. Harry Jones fired just over in the 18th minute after being set up by Mason Clarke and Dave O’Connor had a header from a corner scrambled clear 6 minutes later. At the other end Archie Davis had to punch away a dangerous cross around the half hour mark and just before half time there was a scramble in our opponent’s area when it appeared that a defender had used his arm to control the ball whilst on the ground but the referee waved away our penalty appeals.
We had edged the first half but there were no goals as the players went in for their half time cuppa. HT Score 0-0.
It didn’t take us long at the start of the second half to break the ice – just 3 minutes in fact. It stemmed from a free kick which fell to Harry Jones who produced a lovely volley which flew past the keeper. After scoring a thunderbolt against Biggleswade United recently Harry is making a habit of scoring fine goals. Score 0-1.
We nearly doubled our lead 3 minutes later when a cross from Frankie Hercules picked out Dave O’Connor whose header hit the post. Archie Davis had not been tested too greatly but in the 64th minute he got down well to save a fierce shot from Baldock’s best player midfielder Pablo Kalamaras. That save was crucial as a minute later we doubled our lead when Dylan Fitzpatrick was fouled in the area. With regular penalty taker George Carbery on the bench Greg Deer took over the responsibility and duly put us into a commanding 2 nil lead. Score 0-2.
A third goal arrived in the 74th minute when Max Hercules, who has been on top form lately, smashed a left foot shot from around 25 yards past the keeper for his 9th goal of the season. This was a very good away win but we should also praise Baldock who have little or no playing budget. They rely on bringing on fine youngsters and coach them to play the game in the right way. We wish them all the best in the future, FT Score 0-3.
A satisfying away win and another clean sheet. We play our last League game on Saturday 19 April at the Michael Anthony Stadium with Dunstable Town the visitors with a party atmosphere planned for the day. But before then we travel to old adversaries Oxhey Jets on Tuesday night for a place in the St Marys Cup final. A win would mean that we will be in 3 cup finals and together with the play-offs for promotion it all dds up to an amazing end to the season. So there is still lots to look forward to and the team will welcome your support so come along and cheer them on.
TEAM:
TA: Archie Davis, Mason Clarke (Bailey Osborne HT), Dylan Fitzpatrick, Adam Sawyer (George Carbery 73), Greg Deer, Dave O’Connor (Harrison Cornick 67), Frankie Hercules (Harry Beaumont 73), Noah Butler, Finn Rolfe, Jack Harvey (Capt) (Max Hercules 67) Harry Jones.
Scorers:
TA: Harry Jones (48), Greg Deer (Pen 65), Max Hercules (74)
Crowd: 69