Thrapston Town 1
v Rushden Rangers
2
After the physical exertions of Sunday, the mental drain of SATs tests and a very hot evening Thrapston did not quite have the spring in their step required to match their opponents.
Rushden played the more fluent and constructive football throughout the match and if it wasn’t for the woodwork having a blinder and denying them several good chances we could have been on a large reverse, but that would not have been fair on a few valiant efforts by players – Liam Carter, Cameron Glynn, David Morton and Alex Palmer showing the greatest desire.
Thrapston took the lead on the stroke of half time with a trademark Alex Palmer wonder goal – 25 yards out, little back lift and top corner – gratefully received but not totally deserved in terms of the balance of the game.
The second half was rather ding-dong, Rushden doing the lion’s share of the dinging. It was one of those nights when we thought all our luck would carry us through with Rushden attempts coming off posts and bars and some fantastic blocks – had a voodoo doctor cursed the goal. Well we cursed our luck when Mr Reliable in goal tefloned a straight forward catch to the Rushden centre forwards feet from 5 yards – 1-1.
The goal that clinched it was well worked with a classy turn and astute pass to allow a 3 yard tap in – a worthy winner in the circumstances. Thrapston rallied into life and thrust forward and created some excellent chances but our luck had been used up at the defensive end and Alex Barlow could not quite convert. We actually thought we had scrapped a draw in injury time when Alex Palmer did fantastically well to get behind the Rushden defence but in the melee that followed Thrapston were adjudged to have handled the ball – correct decision.
Great fighting spirit to the end – maybe it is late, too late, in the season but we seem to have a balance that gives a firm foundation from defence. Last game Saturday, lets find that spring in our step and the courage, confidence and conviction to play football the way you have been taught to and above all enjoy because you know you have played to the best of your ability.
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