Thrapston Town 0 v Earls Barton Youth
2
On a big cup weekend, when yet again it has been proved
that flashes in pans can prevail, and form can sometimes,
just sometimes, prevail over class, so Thrapston returned
to action today, after the seasonal festivities, determined
to blow away the old year and usher in the new in style.
No 6 minutes of protest here, however righteous. No mosaic
in the stands, (what message could we convey?).
The first half started with Thrapston playing against a
strong wind, which they knew would make life difficult for
them. Tenacious tackling and a greater work ethic than at
the end of the old year meant that Earls Barton created very
little for the first 20 minutes, while on a rare foray forward,
Tom Alsop hit a post, with the keeper beaten.
Barton took the lead with one of those 30 yard hit and hopes
that catches on the breeze and gives the keeper little chance.
The second was more disappointing however; firstly a corner
was needlessly conceded, and then the corner itself was allowed
to bounce hither and thither in the box, while a Barton player
was invited to covert the chance at his leisure – all
stuff we know not to do, but sometimes seem to forget.
However, although two nil down at halftime, the signs were
encouraging. Thrapston now had the wind, and through the
good offices of Connor Morson were battling well in midfield.
We can do this, was the general sense of things at half time.
Sure enough, the second half really belonged to the town
in terms of possession, and although Alsop’s two one
on ones with the keeper were the best chances, corners bounced
across the box and a few long shots reigned in, but we couldn’t
convert – hey maybe this is Anfield after all!!!
Then Luke Rivett breaks, runs in to the box and scores,
only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Harsh on
Luke and the side, but disallowed nonetheless. Next Barton
get a penalty which Alex Vitue saves and it’s game
on again, but not for long as the game peters out and town’s
cup ambitions are confined to the bin for another year.
However, many positives to emerge today – the welcome
return after injury of Eric Curtis, the performance of Connor
Morson in midfield, which gives the side more options for
the future, and a strong performance from Sam Gallagher,
while the rest of the side battled well, despite not getting
much reward.
Final score: Thrapston Town Nul, Earls Barton Two
MOTM- a return to form, with some excellent tackling and
good clearances, the MOTM today was awarded to Sam Gallagher.
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