Newmarket win again
Newmarket were not convinced by press speculation that this would be
a walkover, and they were right. Peterborough have four teams all
aiming for promotion, and a win for the home team would have
followed seven games without conceding a goal. However, Newmarket
are made of strong stuff now, and despite further ill discipline
which resulted in them losing a player for almost half the game,
they cemented their position as champions elect of Division 5NW.
Newmarket pressed forward at every opportunity, and this did mean
that gaps appeared at the back. However, birthday by Rob Horrex, Al
Heath and John Sutherland in goal all played well throughout. It was
Newmarket who took the lead.
Dave "Stavros" Badcock won the ball just inside his own half, and
went on a mazy run which took him tight to the Peterborough "D",
from where Matt Holden collected the ball and put away a crisp shot.
Within 2 minutes, it was 2-0 - this time, after sustained pressure
in the Peterborough area, the ball fizzed out to Wilson Junior, and
he despatched it past the despairing 'keeper.
Newmarket did let it slip a little and the consolation for
Peterborough came before half time. The game continued fast and
furious after the break, and poor umpiring contributed to the
sending off of Neil Badcock, who nevertheless must take some of the
blame for his constant back chat and abusive language. With over 20
minutes left, and reduced to ten men, Newmarket knew they had a
battle to keep their lead. Ian Starling and Simon Gibson both missed
by inches when attacking, and the remainder of the game was a
tactical battle. Newmarket Captain Greg Cummins made a couple of
changes, dropping himself into a more defensive role, and then away
side held firm.
