Eynesbury Rovers A 5 : 2 Thaxted Rangers

Thaxted returned from their long journey empty handed at the weekend. The visitors got off to a poor start and after 20 minutes found themselves 2-0 down as the young Eynesbury side took control of the game.

This forced a tactical change and immediately this paid dividends, Charlie Daniels cut in from the right and finished well with his left foot.

Thaxted were now very much in the game and had chances to level the game prior to the break.

They were also forced into two substitutions as Shane Vince picked up an injury and then Simon Jiggins was the victim of a crude tackle that is likely to put him out of the game for some weeks.

The second half continued in the same vein, Thaxted pushing for the equaliser, Chris Grout missed the best chance from close range, following a good team move.

Then a strange decision from the referee to halt play whilst Thaxted

were on the attack to book Jack Kichenbrand for dissent. A free kick was awarded to Eynesbury from which they promptly scored.

Thaxted did not give up and forced their way back into the game again, when Andy Macdowell bundled the ball into the net.

More controversy was to follow when John Selby was adjudged to handle in the box, when a clearance rebounded and hit him in the arm from point blank range, penalty awarded and converted 4-2.

Thaxted pushed hard again to get back in the game and Andy Macdowell went close again in a goalmouth scramble. In the dying stages Eynesbury broke and finished the game with a well worked goal to make it 5-2.

Thaxted have the opportunity this weekend to put this disappointment aside when they welcome Wisbech St Marys Reserves in a big cup game at Thaxted Recreation Ground, 1.45pm.

Team: T Bowler, S Mead, S Jiggins, A Macdowell, S Vince, J Kichenbrand, C Grout (capt), P Potter, J Hansen, A Potter, C Daniels. Subs: M Williams, L Mead, J Selby. Goals: C Daniels, A Macdowell