Our soap opera this week was more like the old Brookside – Even though we were devoid of our Liverpudlian central defensive main man, there was a bit of ‘calm down calm down’, the odd, whats happening at number 6 and 11, and even a sprinkling of funnies akin to Ken Dodd . Hey in the clubhouse after the game people were even heard to be talking about having the latest shellsuit top.

From Thrapstons part, this game started without 3 influential defenders and others having to “ do a job “ today. There was an additional late change to the line up just before kick off and the stomachs were beginning to churn a bit on the sidelines. In the previous game between these sides earlier in the season, we had said that we were fortunate to win, so we knew to get something from today to boost the league title aspirations would not be easy.

It all started well, very well indeed with good pressure being put on the Burton defence and decent chances made. Three in particular in this first half were of the Gilt edged variety, certainties, freebies, open goals I think they call them, but on each occasion the ball was cleared from the line by a Burton Defender. Good defending or poor attacking, something for us to consider.

The deadlock was broken when a well flighted corner from Josh Cummins was nodded on , struck by Luke Rivett, and turned into his own goal by a Burton Player. All the chances, winning and we still hadn’t scored  - strange.

Burton pressurised further in the second half and had the better of play for maybe 20 minutes, in which they managed to equalise with a shot from just inside the box. Here we are – 1-1, a result that suited us, but not Burtons aspirations of a higher league finish. They were going for it, and Thrapston defended well to keep out the attacks. Inevitably though with a bit of hindsight, this was going to cost them, as they were caught with men forward on numerous occasions, and Devante Hodgson was beginning to shake of the shackles that the Burton defence had put on him so far. The winning goals came from 2 more crosses into the box, One headed in by Hodgson unchallenged, and the other a poke on at the far post.

On the balance of good chances, a deserved win for Thrapston, and one that takes them nearer to this years title. It was close though and again was left until late on.

Special mentions from your roving reporter go to both teams for not letting little niggles spill over.

Roll on Forest next week – Thrapston MOM – John Cohen. First time ever at right back and did a great job for the team.