In truth this was pretty much a one-sided affair and Thrapston relied heavily on their defensive grit and determination to keep the score to an acceptable level. Liam Carter and Charlie Whight were the heart beat in the centre; David Morton and Harry Doubleday dovetailed in resolutely at full backs and Luke O’Dell once again kept goals with distinction.
Thrapston were all square at half time thanks mainly to several goal line clearances and excellent saves, but rarely threatened anything much up front as Alex Rutter wore a weary trail battling with little support. On the stroke of half time an injury forced off the midfield engine, Cameron Glynn, which unbalanced the team and was inevitably to prove a setback too far for the team.
Rushden showed greater urgency in the second half pushing an additional player forward and as Thrapston got stretched so the inevitable goal was conceded, quickly followed by two more. Character kicked in and Thrapston re-doubled their defensive efforts but without the potency of Alex Palmer today there was little scare or test the opposition.
Defeat comes in many guises – today we deserved to lose as a team, but there were 8 of the 12 players who did not deserve it - this leaves an unhealthy proportion needing to look at hard at their contribution and commitment to the team.
