Super squad score
six sizzlers in the snow to sink City
Despite weather reports
to the contrary from Newmarket's own Michael Fish, "Gritter"
Starling, the first half of this top of the table clash was played
in driving snow. Always likely to be a stiff test, as the only team
to have kept Newmarket to a draw this season, City were not treated
lightly.
once again, a quick
start helped to settle Newmarket, and this time the opener was not
from a short corner, but rather from a succulent move started by
Wilson, who found Young on the top of the circle. Young then slipped
the ball to Cummins who cracked home a shot that almost melted the
steadily settling snow - one-nil. Despite further Newmarket
pressure, a second was not forthcoming, and a defensive lapse by the
normally reliable Greenwood saw City level.
It looked very much
like a half-time stalemate until the short corner routine paid
dividends again, this time a change from the usual Wilson blast,
with a variation goal from Cummins. Young and Gibson both came close
in the dying moments of the half, without converting.
Into the second half,
and Newmarket started brightly, possibly due to the appearance of
blue sky and some "travelling" support. Hayden Marsh struck his
first goal of the season, with a deft caress of the ball from a
Wilson strike, again started at a short corner. With the crowd
urging Newmarket to greater heights, the fourth goal came from
errant weatherman Starling, once more from a set piece.
Dave Badcock, soon to
be sent from the field for a yellow card offence, scored a super
goal, again, his first of the season, before Young settled the six
with a splendid strike. City scored a late consolation goal while
Newmarket were down to 10 men. Others worthy of note were Goalkeeper
Steve Freed and Robert Horrex who had his second game in as many
weeks.
Newmarket now have a
long break before resuming league action - the next fixture for
point not being until late January. However, Christmas will be spent
on top of the league, with seven wins and a draw from eight games.
