Thaxted Rangers 1 : 3 Steeple Bumpstead

You have to go back to 22 November 2014 since Thaxted last lost a home league game, the visitors that day were Steeple Bumpstead and the scoreline was 3-1 and history was to repeat itself.

It was the visitors who started the stronger on September 19 and Thaxted had to work hard to stay with them in the early stages.

However, as the half wore on, the home side got back into it and there was very little in it. It was Thaxted though who had the more clear cut chances.

George Withers had a good chance when going clear, but the keeper saved well. Bumpstead had a few good long range efforts which Dan Latham did well with in goal.

Then three unbelievable saves from the Bumpstead keeper proved vital, first a header from Tom Clark that seemed to certain to go in, then an Andy Macdowell header and finally a finger tip save round the post from Jamie Hansen. So stalemate at the break.

The second half and Thaxted picked up from where they left off, looking the brighter.

Then the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside and then the tables turned and the all important first goal went to Bumpstead with a near post header.

Before Thaxted had a chance to respond, Bumpstead went further in front when a header appeared to be cleared off the line, but the referee adjudged that it had gone over.

A number of changes followed and Thaxted started to get back into the game, but a disputed free kick was despatched with what appeared to be a cross.

Thaxted kept going though and Andy Macdowell pulled one goal back and pressed till the end.

Thaxted came up against a much changed Bumpstead side who will be a tough side to beat this season. City Life up next for the 1st Team at the Rec this weekend.

Team: D Latham, N Brooks, S Mead, S Vince, M Williams (capt), C Grout, A Macdowell, A Potter, J Hansen, T Clark, G Withers. Subs: J Kichenbrand, M Tucker, W Lawrence, J Sanderson. Goal: A Macdowell