Another fabulous spring morning saw the end of Thrapston’s
recent winning ways.
Thrapston won the toss and elected to kick-off, playing down
the slope; it’s rumoured that Eddie the Eagle has been
known to use this for his skiing practice.
Both teams started brightly but Ise Lodge immediately put
Thrapston under considerable pressure, only the goalkeeping
of Josh and the woodwork keeping them out . Declan Ward’s
injury seemed to unsettle Thrapston when the defence failed
to clear the latest of these attacks and Thrapston were 1-0
down. Ise Lodge continued to press, bringing out more great
saves from Josh Smikle and testing the woodwork one again.
The score line was beginning to flatter Thrapston. Then “Man
of the Match” Ryan Watkin picked up the ball in midfield
and drove forward releasing a smashing shot from 20 yards
that the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of Matthew
Smith who was clinical in his finish – 1-1.
The move was repeated some minutes later, this time Ryan Watkin
hit another rasping shot that left the keeper rooted to the
spot – 1-2 to Thrapston somewhat against the run of
play. Ise Lodge continued to push and Josh Smikle pulled off
another great save to ensure Thrapston went in at half-time
1-2 to the good.
The second half continued in the same vane, but with Thrapston
kicking up hill, Ise Lodge were beginning to make their speed
and strength pay. However Luke Stevens and Ryan Watkin were
continuing to play well and this time it was Thrapston’s
turn for the glaring miss when Ryan should have passed to
Luke who was free but decided to shoot instead. Oh did Ise
Lodge make us pay for that miss when a quick break-away saw
the defence go walkabout and a goal was gifted to them –
2-2.
The game continued fairly evenly with both sides well matched
but the slope and size of pitch were beginning to tell. But
it was Ise lodge producing another good passing move who broke
the deadlock – 3-2.
Thrapston never recovered from that goal and towards the end
of the game let their concentration drop and the ever-present
threat from the Ise lodge attack ended with another goal that
gave our keeper no chance – 4-2 to Ise Lodge
The referee blew the whistle on another entertaining game.
Thrapston should not be too downhearted; this was a very good
Ise Lodge team who had been held and equalled for most of
the match.
Special mention to Josh Smikle for an outstanding goalkeeping
display – well-done.
