Rushden Rangers 2 v Thrapston Town 1
After the last two results, hopes were high
that today Thrapston could push on to another victory and
ensure that the first to the ball attitude and good teamwork
becomes increasingly learnt behaviour. Alas it was not to
be today.
Whether it was the late night for the cricketers in the squad,
or an element of over confidence affecting the side, affected
they were, as they failed to show up for a first half dominated
by Rushden, on an excellent, if greasy surface. Pacey attackers
ran Town defenders ragged and the Town midfield was bypassed
as they failed to get to the ball and use it.
Despite several excellent saves from Alex Vitue he was unable
to do much about Rushden’s opener – attackers
ran through and defenders stood and watched as the softest
of goals were surrendered.
In the second half the side awoke from their slumber a little,
and at least began to create chances, but several players
were guilty of missing these. Then a looping shot from Rushden
ballooned in to the net to put Rushden 2 up.
Finally, Finally, in the last 5 minutes, Town converted a
chance as Devante Hodgson went through and slotted past the
advancing keeper. It was then as if a different team had taken
to the field. Thrapston were first to the ball, creating chances
to equalise, and in injury time, as he broke through on goal
Tom Alsop was felled by the on rushing keeper.
The keeper was lucky to stay on the pitch – deliberate
foul, last defender, etc,etc. Alsop took the kick and is went
agonisingly just wide of the right hand upright.
Game over. Defeat. Lessons – a return to the bad old
days today – second to the ball and some players hiding
and letting others do their work for them. But this surely
is just a wet weekend aberration and next week the side of
the last two matches will return and show what they are capable
of again.
Final Score – Rushden Rangers Two, Thrapston town One
MOTM – For keeping his side in the match with fine
saves in a first half were many of his team mates weren’t
at the races, Alex Vitue was awarded the MOTM.
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