|
Both sides entered this top of the table clash full of confidence
following excellent starts to the season. Thrapston made two
changes to the side that won so convincingly last week, against
Aztec’s second string, with the Jordans; Bateman &
Davies coming into midfield.
The first half was a hugely competitive affair. Tackle after
tackle flew in; some early, some on time, and a few later
than Midland Mainline! Aztecs just about had the balance of
play, forcing Harvey Chandler-Abbott into some fine saves
in the Thrapston goal. But Thrapston’s lugubrious infantry
stood firm against the might of the warriors and left the
battlefield wounded, but undefeated at half time.
Half time. Inspiration, motivation, a couple of changes and
a new battle plan. Suddenly, early in the second half, it
was Thrapston who began to assert their authority on the game.
Sam Gallagher, displaying all the hard tackling qualities
of a young Souness won the ball deep in Warrior territory.
Josh Cummins helped the ball on and Tom Alsop fired Thrapston
ahead from 12 yards out. The crowd, strangely silent up to
that point came to life and urged Thrapston forward. The goal
was no more than Thrapston deserved, and they pushed on in
search of a second.
Alsop lined a free kick up, and from 20 yards struck the
upright, with the keeper beaten. Other chances came and went,
but still the warriors would not give in to the Thrapston
yellow army.
Then Warriors broke. One on one with the keeper. Goal! One
all. Chances at both ends followed, before the final whistle.
Both teams will look back on this game as a real battle,
with more positives than negatives, and will probably feel
they deserved to win. Twelve months ago Thrapston would simply
not have competed at this level, and it’s therefore
a compliment to the player’s attitude and development
that they should feel disappointed with a draw.
Man of Match – Jordan Bateman – Tireless effort
and tackling throughout the game.
Final score Aztec Warriors 1, Thrapston 1.
|
