Thrapston went in to today’s game wondering
how far they have come since the opening day 8-0 defeat by
the Rise. In truth, they were to find that the answer is quite
some distance, judging by the evidence of today, when they
should surely have come away with something from this match.
On a heavy, undulating pitch and with a heavy ball it was
Thrapston who opened brightly, trying to play the ball around,
and they had the best of the opening exchanges, without creating
many clear cut openings. The first half was a midfield battle
in which Thrapston competed and at least held their own. Half
time, honours even.
The second half opened as the first had closed, with nothing
between the sides, until suddenly a defensive mix up gifted
Castle Rise the opener – about as welcome as a rousing
rendition of “Blue Moon” in the local branch of
the United supporters club, as Mr Fowler slotted number three
yesterday, but could they come back?
Next, with Town sacrificing defensive stability and pushing
Sam Gallagher forward in pursuit of an equaliser, they gave
a penalty away. Another week, another controversy- Up steps
the penalty taker, Alex Vitue makes the save – job’s
a good un! But wait a minute, no, the referee says he hasn’t
blown the whistle and he orders the kick to be retaken.
Now I’m not saying that by the time the second kick
was taken, Castle players had encroached in the area, but
they had erected a tent, started a camp fire and were planning
an invasion of the six yard box as the ball was stroked home.
Surprisingly, the referee allowed the goal to stand –
Thrapston supporters were flabbergasted, but stand it did.
Game Over? Not quite as Thrapston’s endeavour was rewarded
by a well taken Luke Rivett effort near the end. But unfortunately,
there wasn’t enough time to complete the comeback, and
Town can count them selves unlucky.
So, whereas last week, the team came out on top in a close
encounter this week they were on the wrong end of one - that’s
football. What the side has shown is the level of improvement,
which means they can compete on equal terms with the top sides
– the key for the remainder of the season will be to
do this, and to punish the weaker sides.
MOTM – Eric Curtis – On a day when an one of
our defence or midfield could stake a claim, Eric put in his
best performance of the season, full of aggression and determination.
Final score – Castle Rise Two, Thrapston Town One.
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