Thaxted Rangers 3 : 0 City Life

You had to feel for City Life in the opening stages of this game on September 26. Having turned up with the bare 11, they were ripped apart by a rampant Thaxted side.

In the opening 20 minutes, wave after wave of attack poured on the City Life defence. Charlie Daniels could have opened the scoring when he latched on to a trademark Ashley King long ball.

City Life just couldn't get out, the midfield quartet of Chris Grout, Chris Pink, Max Rendell and Myles Holmes were first to everything.

After 10 minutes the first goal came, a corner, a header was cleared off the line and there was Ashley King to lash the ball home for his first goal for Thaxted. Within 5 minutes it was 2-0, Mark Williams long throw and there was Shane Vince once again to head confidently home.

At this point, had it been a boxing bout, I think City Life would have been counted out, but fair play to the visitors as they did start to edge their way back into it and this prompted a tactical change.

Much like the Gamlingay home game, Neil Brooks was brought on to bolster the midfield and forward was sacrificed. This had the desired effect and put Thaxted back in control.

The second half and the all important third goal of the game was up for grabs, Tom Clark was thwarted on three occasions on the same attempt.

The goal came after 15 minutes and it was Charlie Daniels who cut in from the front and led the City Life defence a merry dance before slotting home.

Thaxted were able to enjoy the later part of the game and there was even time for a cameo appearance from Player Manager John Selby.

Chris Grout and Max Rendell were unfortunate not to add to the score as Dan Latham literally did not have a shot to save.

Team: D Latham, S Mead, A King, M Williams, S Vince, M Rendell, C Pink (capt), C Grout, M Holmes, G Withers, C Daniels. Subs: T Clark, N Brooks, A Domin, J Selby. Goals: A King, S Vince, C Daniels