Thaxted Rangers 2 : 1 Cambourne Rovers

Over the past couple of seasons, there have been some very closely contested games between these two sides, so Saturday, October 31st, was always going to be a lively encounter.

Thaxted started off the brighter and soon put the visitors under pressure. However, as the half wore on, it was Cambourne who created the more clear cut chances.

The game threatened to boil over when Chris Grout got involved with a Cambourne defender, fortunately the referee handled the situation very well. Both sides had penalty shouts turned down before Thaxted went into the lead before the break. A long throw from Mark Williams was headed home by Shane Vince in customary fashion.

A few changes at the break and it was Thaxted who took control in the second half, playing some really good stuff, moving the ball around well and creating some good chances.

Chris Grout got the all amount important second goal half way through the second half when he cut in from the left and let fly with an absolute belter from the edge of the area, leaving the keeper no chance.

Thaxted appeared now to be in cruise control, with little or no threat on the home goal. A crazy few minutes saw Thaxted players dropping like flies, several players took knocks, resulting in a number of substitutions.

This may have unsettled Thaxted and Cambourne took advantage when a shot was well saved by Kevin in goal, but the rebound came back off the bar and the on rushing forward who may have been offside slotted home.

There appeared to be less than 10 minutes on the clock, however the referee had other ideas and duly played 10 minutes injury time (a 55 minute second half) and Thaxted had to defend valiantly in the closing stages to see home an important and deserved victory.

Team: K Wyndham-Smith, M Holmes, A King, M Williams, S Vince, C Pink (capt), A Macdowell, C Grout, C Daniels, G Withers, P Brand. Subs: J Hansen, N Brooks, T Clark, S Mead, K Johns. Goals: S Vince, C Grout