Papworth 2 : 4 Thaxted Rangers

Thaxted completed their first double of the season at the weekend against Papworth, the first time this has happened since the 2008-09 season, but it certainly wasn’t all plain sailing.

The first half saw the home side very much in control and went in front on the half hour when Liam Greef scored his customary goal against Thaxted amidst sloppy defending.

Thaxted however, pulled a goal back almost immediately when Andy Macdowell headed home from a corner.

Thaxted had already survived an earlier penalty claim when Ashley “Junior” Jones collided with a Papworth striker, however just before the break, confusion reigned in the Thaxted defence and Junior was adjudged to have brought a player down in the area, the penalty was slotted home, 2-1 to the home side at the break.

A few home truths were aired during the interval and Jamie Hansen was introduced from the bench. The impact was almost immediate, in the very first minute, Jamie broke down the right, good interplay with Tom Clark and Jamie went on to do the rest, 2-2.

Thaxted had now tightened up at the back, Stu Mead was on hand for a tremendous double block when Papworth threatened.

Papworth’s defence was playing a very high line and Tom Clark and Jamie Hansen were beginning to get more chances as Thaxted countered.

Papworth did have the ball in the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Then with 10 minutes to go, Tom Clark broke completely clear and finished with aplomb.

In the very closing stages of the game, Charlie Daniels picked up the ball just inside his own half and played Jamie Hansen through as Papworth once again pushed up.

Jamie made no mistake to finish off a superb second half display, a bit of a contrast to the tepid first!

It’s Abington away up next for Thaxted.

Team: A Jones, W Perry, C Payne, A Macdowell, S Mead, J Lacon, C Pink, A Potter, C Daniels, T Clark, C Grout(capt). Sub: J Hansen. Goals: A Macdowell, J Hansen (2), T Clark