- Harleston May Day Tournament – Ladies Lift Plate
Newmarket Hockey Club travelled to the home of the Harleston Magpies to compete in their annual May bank holiday tournament. The squad, which was predominantly made up of ladies 1′s and a couple of ladies 2′s knew not what to expect as this was their first entry into this particular event.
Their first game took place on grass, apparently this was all the rage 30 years ago but then again so were VHS recorders. Lowestoft proved worthy opponents and opened up the scoring, play was end to end but Newmarket couldn’t find the back of the net until all the hard work by Beth Wombwell, who looked quite at home playing on grass, eventually paid off. A ball was fed into the D that bore resemblance to something that had been dropped by 617 squadron and as it bounced, Wombwell made a clean connection and fired the ball across the line to pull off a well earned draw.
The second match, again on grass, was against Diss, this match wasn’t quite so end to end, mostly due to the rugged surface of the playing pitch. The match ended nil nil.
Newmarket’s next 2 games were on the Water Based astro, comparatively speaking, a bit like trading in your Reliant Robin for a Porsche 911 C4S. An excellent game prevailed but neither side could find the back board and for the second game in a row, a scoreless result was recorded.
To reach the Cup play off, Newmarket needed to beat their next opponents and although Beth Wombwell got her second goal of the day, they could only secure a one all draw which meant Newmarket would go through to the play offs where they would compete for the plate.
Newmarket had a bye in the quarter finals and the and a semi final against the hosts, Harleston Magpies was set to push back at 4pm. Newmarket remained true to form and by the end of the match were locked at a draw, penalty flicks were going to be how the game would be decided, coach Chris Evans selected the five to take the flicks. Newmarket missed the first and the magpies went one up. The next six flicks were we’re thoroughly in Newmarket’s favour, with Jade Atkinson, the Newmarket Goalkeeper, saving all of the Magpies efforts, whilst Newmarket through Angel Fayers, Lydia Evans and Beth Wombwell scored all three of theirs meant Newmarket had secured a place in the plate final.
The final was played on grass but by now Newmarket were buzzing, the opposition didn’t actually get into Newmarket’s half. They came out one nil winners after an excellent deflected goal by April Atkinson earned them the victory they so deserved. A great day was had by all and Lou Milner and Verity MacMahon, both 2nd team players had exceptional matched and certainly proved their worth. April Atkinson won the player of the final. To top the day off, the Men’s team, won the cup final in a thrilling game that ended 2-0 to the boys
- Harleston May Day Tournament – Men retain the Cup
Newmarket Men’s team returned to try and retain their trophy from last year, a feat only previously completed once. Newmarket took a strong squad with Chris Routs in goal, defenders Will Wilson (Captain), Simon Harrington, Jordan Newnes & Dave Worrall. Midfielders Ollie Wade, Alex Andreou, Chris Leggett, Harry Bell and Josh Dawson making his first appearance after gaining another five knuckles on his index finger in early March. Forwards Matt Holden, Mike Skelton and rookie Rob Green completed the squad. The format was 2 groups of 5 playing 20 minutes one way in a round robin, with the top 2 from each group contesting the semi finals and then final.
Newmarket 2 – 0 Norwich Dragons
The first game was on grass and very competitive, with the surface suiting Harrington’s long ball game he was imperious at the back, for once Wilson wasn’t complaining about it as he consistently picked out forwards Skelton and Holden with ease. With the midfield of Wade, Bell & Leggett getting up to support Newmarket overran Dragons. Holden scored the first, beating the keeper from an angle. He then doubled the lead, collecting Harrington’s long ball, playing a 1-2 with Skelton and finishing into an empty net.
Newmarket 1 – 0 Lowestoft Railway
This was another competitive match on the water based Astro, keeper Routs was required to make a few saves but the Railway keeper kept them in it. Jordan Newnes and Dave Worrall defended resolutely. The game signalled Dawson’s return and he was unlucky not to score from a couple of penalty corners. Rob Green also played well, sending Leggett through to shoot narrowly wide and showing some touches that bode well for the future. Newmarket eventually took the lead, Andreou who distributed well throughout had the initial strike on goal, the keeper saved again, but Skelton reacted first to force home the rebound.
Newmarket 1 – 0 Harleston Combination
Newmarket dominated long spells of this game but were occasionally troubled by their youthful opponents. They retained possession well with Rob Green again standing out and Ollie Wade covering lots of pitch and using the ball well down the left flank and Harry Bell firing some great balls into the D from the right it was only a matter of time. The goal when it came was from a free flowing move. Leggett weighted a great pass into Holden’s path, after standing still and admiring his pass for a while he got on his bike and met Holden’s pull back at the top of the D to fire into the far corner.
Newmarket 0 – 2 Norfolk Pies
Having already qualified for the semi finals Newmarket took this strong team a little too lightly and were punished. Too often they tried to force the ball down the middle where pies were strong and they got punished with two well taken quick fire goals. Newmarket did their best to get into the games with Wade, Dawson and Bell forcing penalty corners which Newmarket were unable to capitalise on. Keeper Routs made a couple of decent saves to keep the score respectable. The 3 previous victories were enough to ensure that Newmarket finished second and progressed to the semi Finals.
Newmarket 1 – 0 Marvel Loss
The game against the group A winners containing some familiar faces from local rivals Ely City and last season’s league competitors Bourne Deeping was a little too feisty for some. Newmarket dominated possession with Wade again excelling down the left flank, creating numerous chances which the team failed to take. Marvel Loss were quick on the break and Routs had to be alert to deflect a reverse stick strike over. As the game wore on Newmarket’s subs probably made the difference as they had more in their legs. Newmarket eventually took the lead, when Will Wilson fired the ball towards the far post and the defender deflected in at the far post for an own goal. The final whistle went and Newmarket were through to the final.
Newmarket 2 – 0 Norfolk Pies
Having lost to this team earlier on grass Newmarket were grateful to be able to put the record straight on the Astro. Dominating throughout against a team full of players who have played at higher levels. Newmarket retained possession superbly, passing the ball quickly and early often leaving pies chasing shadows. Newmarket switched the ball from left to right, Worrall made his way towards the D, picked out Holden who squared to Skelton to fire into the corner. During the next 5 minutes Newmarket were unlucky not to score again, Leggett going close and Dawson firing across the goal line with Wade unable to get a touch at the far post.
Pies began to press forward to an equaliser, leaving space at the back. Harrington rolled a 16 yard to Wilson, who aerialled the ball over the whole pies team for Holden to run onto as he approached the D. Holden beat the goalie and rattled the ball into the far corner from an angle.
Pies threw everything at Newmarket, but defenders Wilson, Harrington, Newnes and Worrall were resolute and when they were broken Routs made a couple of crucial blocks to preserve his 5th clean sheet of the day. Newmarket held out and retained their title.
Player of the Day
With 5 clean sheets goalie Routs and his defence of Wilson, Harrington, Newnes and Worrall had a shout. Wade was excellent on the left, Skelton tireless up front but scoring 3 and assisting another 3 of the teams 7 goals, it could only go to Matt Holden. If the veteran can maintain that form next season in div 2 then the team will have a create chance to maintain their presence in that league after 3 successive promotions.
29 April 2013- Summer League 2013
Summer League will run from 18th June for 6 weeks 7.30 -9.00. Teams will be picked fairly by the organisers. Please contact Chris Evans for further details although he will send out info soon: ce1964@btinternet.com
- Wisbech Men’s 3rd XI 2 – 4 Newmarket Men’s 1st XI
Newmarket travelled to Wisbech for the final game of the season, knowing that they needed to better Wisbech 2nds result to win the league, with Wisbech 2nds playing 9th placed St Neots, Newmarket didn’t expect and started the game like they were already on their summer holidays.
With Simon Harrington having clinched dick of the day for the last month he did the honourable thing and asked to play for the seconds, forcing a re-shuffle which lead to Alex Andreou being deployed at centre back with the excellent Jordan Newnes.
Newmarket deservedly fell behind after a few minutes. Wisbech’s outstanding number 11 who must consider himself unfortunate not to get selected for their first team, skipped round a couple of weak challenges, drove the D and shot at the far post, where there centre forward deflected in from all of 6 inches.
Newmarket didn’t heed the warning, after some lax play and a lack of concentration in midfield were soon two goals behind, the same player driving the D, this time shooting reverse stick, just wide of the far post where the same player, same distance was there to deflect in.
Wisbech were 2 goals up and deserved it, Coach Nick Thorpe made a few tactical tweeds and substitutions from the sideline, bringing Ben Gotfredsen on from the bench who slotted in at left half, he had a solid game and didn’t look out of place at this level.
With the attacking quartet of Mike Skelton, Matt Holden, Mark Pears and Harry Bell making good runs Newmarket started to find them creating chances further up the pitch. Newmarket won a penalty corner which the keeper saved comfortably, Chris Leggett chased the ball down into the far right corner and his cross was deflected into goal by Mark Pears reverse stick.
With the defence of Will Wilson, Newnes, Andreou and the excellent Dave Worrall marking tight and not diving in on the future first team prospect the gradually started to dominate, Holden beat a couple of men in the D and Gotfredsen almost got to is cross shot for a tap in at the far post.
At half time Newmarket where a goal behind and quite rightly got a piece of Coach Thorpe’s mind, he switched full backs round with Worrall left and Wilson right and Newmarket dominated the second half. Harry Bell started to come into the game on the right driving the flank and firing some superb balls into the D.
Eventually the pressure told and the penalty corners began to flow, Wade score the second with a drag to the bottom right corner. Newmarket almost took the lead moments later, Andreou’s long clearance found Pears, he beat a man drove at the right post dragging defence out of position before squaring to Holden for a tap in at the far post, with the goal gaping Holden could only find the outside of the post.
It didn’t matter Newmarket soon took the lead, after a free flowing move the Pears drew the keeper and found Bell at the right post to slam home. Bell then scored the fourth, reacting first to bravely lift the ball over the on rushing keeper into the roof of the net.
Bell then scored Newmarket’s fourth driving into the D and firing the ball into the bottom corner with an assured finish. Game set and match and a worthy finish to another fantastic season, which has seen the team win 20 out of 22 league games but still finish second.
Dick of the day was pretty simple, the vote was unanimous for Holden, the big man consistently demonstrated exceptional stick skills and average shooting!
Man of the match was a close run thing, keeper Routs kept the boys in it for the first 20 minutes, Mark Pears was superb upfront scoring the vital first goal and assisting with both of Harry Bells, Dave Worrall defended brilliantly at full back, Andreou distributed well from centre back and Ollie Wade dictated the pace of the game with some silky skills in the middle, with everybody tied on 2 votes the captain decided and opted to Wade, who has come on leaps and bounds this season and like the rest of the team should thoroughly look forward to what division 2 North has to offer!
With defenders Simon Harrington and James Wrinch, and forwards Josh Dawson and Ed Griffiths unavailable it was a real test of the squads strength in depth with a couple of additions the team should be able to hold its own in division 2 North next season. The team would like to thank Nick Thorpe for his tremendous work coaching the side this season, we all look forward to working with him next year.
14 April 2013- Undefeated are defeated at the Fortress
Newmarket Men’s 1st XI 6 – 3 Wisbech Towns Men’s 2nd XI
Newmarket went in the seasons penultimate league game knowing that they would need to defeat unbeaten Wisbech to maintain their slim hopes of winning their 3rd consecutive league title. It was a pulsating encountered, with a fantastic atmosphere generated by the large crowd.
The whole game was played at a frenetic pace with the back 4 of Will Wilson, Jordan Newnes, Simon Harrington and Dave Worrall stretched often, pulling put great tackles and blocks. Wisbech shaded the first 10 minutes without brining keeper Chris Routs into action.
Newmarket struck first, the ball was played into Harry Bell on the right flank who picked out Mike Skelton in the D, he took one touch and finished into the bottom corner. At this point Wisbech suffered and injury to one of their players which seemed to disrupt their rhythm and Newmarket dominated the rest of the half.
The second goal was a brilliant individual event from Ollie Wade, having been moved into the middle for the last 2 games and recently had his hair styled by local hairdresser Loren Davenport the young midfielder has really come into his own. Intercepting a Wisbech 16 on his reverse stick he drove into the D, beating a defender and keeper in one fluid movement to finish into an unguarded net.
With Alex Andreou’s introduction from the bench and good distribution from Chris Leggett in central midfield, Mark Pears combined with Matt Holden to win a penalty corner. Having wasted all but 1 of the 23 the team won when loosing at home to Cambridge South, they were much more productive today, scoring from the first. The routine broke down, but Wilson found Skelton at the far post and he made no mistake. With Skelton having visited the same hairdresser this week she could be busy before most big games next season!
The whistle went for half time and Wisbech trudged off looking dejected, Newmarket knew that the next goal would be crucial and so it proved. To their credit Wisbech demonstrated why they had been undefeated so far this season with a strong first 15 minutes of the second half. The dominated possession, partly because Newmarket couldn’t keep it, and forced a flurry of penalty corner. Most were expertly saved by the outstanding Routs but they scored with a couple he could do nothing about. The first from a firm strike which deflected of the otherwise excellent Harrington’s stick into the net on (or just outside) the far post. The second was forced home over Routs after a goal mouth scramble.
With the score now 3 – 2 to Newmarket it got a little tense, but Newmarket dug in, with Holden finding space on the left he won another penalty corner, Wilson’s strike was blocked and Wade struck the rebound first time into the bottom left corner. Wisbech went up the other end and scored another, the ball was crossed from the right and Harrington notched his second own gol deflecting it high into the net!
Newmarket’s heads didn’t go down they just went up the other end and scored again, another fine passing team move culminated with Holden slamming the ball in from 10 yards. Ed Griffiths made the game safe with about 5 minutes to go. Harry Bell reacted quickly and took a quick self pass on the sideline, he drove the base line and pulled the ball back to Ed Griffiths who slotted home from an acute angle. With 5 minutes left and Newmarket 3 goals to the good the game was won, it was marred late on when Ed Griffiths collected a yellow card for an over enthusiastic challenge and DaveWorrall decided he fancied completing the umpiring course and muttered one word too many about the decision.
Man of the match was Chris Routs in goal, who pulled off some vital stops, especially during the crazy first 15 minutes of the second half. He was run very close by Ollie Wade who was outstanding in the centre of the pitch. Dick of the day was close, Dave Worrall finally got the yellow card for dissent he has been striving for all season, but with 2 own goals and a reputation for making dick of the day his own the winner was Simon Harrington.
With 1 game to go Newmarket are a point behind Wisbech, but with both teams likely to win next week it looks likeWisbech’s title, they deserve it for being so consistent over a long drawn weather and indoor hockey interrupted season. It is just a shame Newmarket had such a shocker against Cambridge South last month, if they had won that they would be 2 points ahead. The team would like to thank Nic Thorpe for all his help, coaching the men’s side of the club every Wednesday and helping the first team every Saturday.
The team now look forward to competing in Division 2 North next season, the highest level the club have played at for a very long time, if ever. Long live the revolution!
14 April 2013- Ladies Clinch the Cambridgeshire Ladies League Premier Division Cup
After two weeks off due to the weather and Easter Newmarket Ladies 1’s were feeling slightly out of practise for the double head league game and cup final against Cambridge South.
Unable to win the league Newmarket were keen to get some silverware for the club, and started the game on the front foot attacking Cambridge from the off. The Cambridge defence soaked up waves of Newmarket attack but it was only a matter of time before Newmarket were to break the deadlock when Lydia Evans struck a cracking ball into the D for Beth Wombwell to pick out a superb deflection into the back of the net. The goal settled Newmarket and some great work from the whole team allowed the attacks and shots to keep coming, with both Kerry Alderson and April Atkinson creating some great chances. It was from one of these attacks that a Cambridge player stopped a shot at goal on the line. Lydia Evans stepped up for the penalty flick and coolly pushed the ball under the keeper to make 2-0. Newmarket’s fitness started to wane in the last few minutes of the first half and Cambridge tried to utilise on this but some great saves by Jade Atkinson meant the score stayed at 2-0 into half time.
Some good direction at half time from coach Chris Evans meant the second half started as the first with Newmarket pushing the ball around well and creating some good attacks. Some great play from the back by Faye Andreou and Jasmine Wombwell set up several attacks with solid shots by both Sam Brooke and Gail Parkins just going wide. Newmarket continued to play the ball around building the attack and creating great space, one such move allowed a composed Angel Fayers to hit a well thought out shot at goal to make the score 3-0. Newmarket continued to moving the ball around and several shots followed. Cambridge managed to threaten the Newmarket goal a couple of times but despite the heat taking it toll Newmarket managed to soak up the pressure. With some great goal stopping tackles from Hayley Stoneman, Louise Downs and Zoe Bailey. Newmarket didn’t lose concentration and despite have a few many chances were happy to finish the game with a 3-0 win.
14 April 2013- Newmarket Ladies 2s v St. Ives Ladies 2s – Sunday 7th April – home at Newmarket
The sun was out as were the supporters for the ladies 2s final match of the season on Sunday but with some tired players from the previous days game and a few sore heads from celebrating the other Newmarket teams great performances the day before also, Newmarket knew that they faced a tough game and a tough game it turned out to be! St. Ives had several individually strong players who Newmarket put up a good fight against but the result was not what Newmarket hoped for and they had to suffer a 2-0 defeat. The team finished 2nd overall in their league however meaning promotion next season which is a tremendous overall result.
14 April 2013- Newmarket Ladies 2s v Ely Ladies 2s – Saturday 6th April – away at Ely
Newmarket ladies 2s took a strong squad of 16 to Ely on Saturday for their last away game of the season and it was an intense game from the push back. The first half saw Newmarket with most of the possession and a goal from Kerry O Hara which came from a pass from Ruth Godden and Loren Davenport on the midfield to Kerry on the left wing saw them take the lead before half time. With Sam Brooke as sweeper and the other players in defence which comprised of Sarah Ganiford, Anna Parker and Nikki Boyle, Ely struggled to find an equaliser until well into the second half. Great individual performances from Donna Keates, Harriet Briggs and goalkeeper Sue Bullimore showed just how much the team are ready for the promotion into the league above next season. It was when Ely had found the goal that Newmarket upped the ante again and with Zoe Bailey finding some great passes to Verity Mac Mahon on the right wing who was named man of the match, there were several chances for Newmarket to take the lead again but the goal never came and the score remained a draw at 1-1.
18 March 2013- Mens’ 1′s Secure Third Consecutive Promotion!
City of Peterborough Men’s 5th XI 2 – 4 Newmarket Men’s 1st XI
After last week’s set back at home to Cambridge South 1′s Newmarket travelled to Peterborough for an early evening game knowing a win would all but mathematically ensure promotion.
With Josh Dawson finally out of Addenbrookes after the hand injury sustained last week, James Wrinch out for the season with a hamstring injury and Alex Andreou smashing plates at somebody’s nuptial celebrations. Newmarket were grateful that our very own day walker Mark Pears was back from a week’s holiday under the parasol in the Canaries.
Newmarket started like they were all on holiday, Peterborough deservedly took the lead through an attack down Newmarket right hand side with the ball squared to an unmarked player at the back post for a tap in. Newmarket responded well, winning a couple of penalty corners which were saved, Mike Skelton drew a couple of saves from the keeper and almost scored with a superb reverse stick strike.
Newmarket’s pressure eventually told, Matt Holden playing out of position in left midfield played a one two with Skelton, only for the defender to stick tackle as he was about to shoot, a penalty flick was awarded that captain Wilson duly despatched to the bottom left corner.
Newmarket almost took the lead a moment later, Harry Bell made a strong run from the right flank, Wilson found him but the keeper was out sharply to smoother. Mark Pears came off the bench and almost made an immediate impact, turning his man on the halfway and driving into the D only for the keeper to block again. The whistle went for half time with the scores level.
The second half continued in the same fashion, there was a good battle between two skilful players in Peterborough’s midfield and Chris Leggett and Ollie Wade. Simon Harrington and Jordan Newnes marked well at centre back meaning that Peterborough often ran the ball conceding possession back to Newmarket.
Mark Pears and Ed Griffiths were looking lively upfront and the later won a penalty corner, Harrington went for the far post and the defender on the line deflected it in. This was a determined Peterborough team who won a series of penalties corners of their own, the first few were easily dealt with by keeper Chris Routs, but the last deflected off Newnes stick and flew in above Dave Worrall’s head on the line, the scores were level again,
Newmarket kept possession well and recycled the ball round the back setting rampaging right back Worrall free, determined to register his goal for the season he burst into the D and unleashed a shoot on goal only for poacher extraordinaire Skelton to deflect it over the otherwise excellent keeper into the net, Newmarket were in front again.
Newmarket soon scored the fourth that their performance deserved, the penalty corner routine broke down, Harrington showed great composure to beat the run and pick out Chris Leggett to sweep home at the near post, game set and match.
Newmarket played much better than last week against a Peterborough side who are always better than their league position. Matt Holden was outstanding for the first 50 minutes as he continues to recover from his heel injury, Mark Pears played well up front and Ed Griffith had his best game for the club. It was a great team performance, but in the absence of a vote this weeks the skipper awards it to Holden.
Dick of the day was close, Newnes thought a warm up might be better if he left the hockey balls in the car, Leggett gave the no missing team sheet to a local tramp, but the winner for the fourth week on the trot was Simon Harrington for getting his handbag out as a 18 year old had pushed him and said something not very nice too him! (he also lost the dick of the day outfit last week).
Next week the team travel to Wisbech to play their 3rd XI, they are 6 points ahead of third place Cambridge South and 27 goals better with 2 games to go. Barring a disaster of biblical proportions that third consecutive promotion is in the bag!
Newmarket Ladies 1′s v St Ives Ladies 2′s: 3-0 win to St Ives
The ladies’ 1′s were looking a little lack lustre as mid table St Ives managed to outplay and score 3 goals past Town.
Despite Newmarket showing early signs of taking control of the game St Ives had more conviction around the goal mouth and seemed to use intelligent passing to draw in Newmarket players. Early chances feel to Town through short corners and overload of the St Ives defence but no efforts hit the target.
The defence of Jazz Wombwell, Zoe Bailey and Louise Downs had a great deal of work to do and Jade Atkinson was a crucial factor in keeping the score lower in the Newmarket goal.
The first half St Ives nudged ahead a goal from open play and the second half their confidence grew resulting in a further 2 goals after playing a very physical game. Newmarket resigned to defeat very early on and were unable to lift the tempo and play their own game.
The loss means the team have no chance of being in the top promotion sport but could potentially come second. However Newmarket are facing Cambridge South next weekend in the League Cup Final so hope to end the season on a high.
Newmarket Ladies 2s v’s Ely Ladies 2s – Saturday 16th March 2013 – At Newmarket
Newmarket Ladies 2s faced Ely Ladies 2s at home on Saturday. The early part of the first half was evenly matched and it was a fast paced game from push back and both teams had several shots on goal but none that got past the keeper. There were a few key players missing for Newmarket including captain Zoe Bailey but it did not deter Newmarket and the latter part of the second half saw Newmarket’s Loren Davenport score from a pass from Sarah Ganiford who was in defence through the midfield to Ruth Godden up to Davenport upfront which gave her the first of what was to be a hat trick for her. This sent Newmarket into the half time break with their heads up and ready to keep the lead.
The second half saw Newmarket missing Tracy Cockerill who had unfortunately been injured in the first half and Holly Woods who had kindly offered to accompany Cockerill to hospital therefore was also absent from the pitch. There was no stopping Newmarket however and it was not long into the second half that Nicola Boyle, who had a great game as did Anna Parker a long side her, had sent the ball from another hit out to the other half of the pitch which gave Davenport the opportunity to smack the ball past the keeper once more. There was some great play in the middle from Donna Keates who was trying out the position of a half for the first time and Harriet Briggs showed no let up when winning back the ball for Newmarket on several occasions. Verity MacMahon on the right wing had some good runs through and despite missing the shot on more occasions than she should have, she found her way round the keeper eventually and found a third goal for Newmarket. Ely kept fighting however but the second half definitely went Newmarket’s way and Loren Davenport sealed the 4-0 victory with another great goal on the deflection from a short corner. Next week Newmarket ladies 2s are unusually playing at home on Sunday instead of Saturday and all supporters are more than welcome!
12 March 2013- Mens’ 2′s Convincing Victory Against St Ives
After last weeks triumph against Ely, guided by the wise council of Chris Leggett from the coaches area, Newmarket had to travel to St Ives for what promised to be a tough match against a team that was immediately below Newmarket in the league. And with coach Leggett returning to playing duties with the 1s, the trip was promising to be all the more difficult, and so it was proven to be, with St Ives pressing Newmarket right from the start. Newmarkets defence was resilient however, and the central defenders of Adrian Atkinson and Darren Jenkins where equal to the challenge posed by St Ives’ attackers. And it was from a St Ives attack that Newmarket was able to gain their first success. Jenkins and Atkinson broke down another St Ives attack, the ball was played through the central midfield to Rob Green who with great skill ghosted through the St Ives defence and from an almost impossible angle drove the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 Newmarket.
St Ives responded with yet more attacking ferocity and an equaliser looked almost certain, and from this pressure St Ives got a shot on target only for the ball to strike the body of captain Pete Boyle and a penalty flick was awarded. Young goalkeeper Jon-Luke Pegram looked a little shell-shocked at the decision but rose to the challenge, because he deftly saved the flick and this save started the downward slide of St Ives. Newmarket responded with another counter attack, this led to a short corner being awarded to Newmarket and that man Hosegood was on hand to, yet again, fire the ball into the corner of the St Ives goal. 2-0 Newmarket.
Yet again St Ives came back at Newmarket and they where rewarded with a goal, but Newmarket responded to the goal in the best possible way. The ball was played from the back, along the right hand side through a combination of Pete Boyle and James Atkinson, the ball was fired into the “D” and Adam Gallop was on hand to slot the ball home.3-1 Newmarket and the half ended this way.
St Ives started the second half determined to break the Newmarket defence down, but with the Newmarket defence resolutely refusing to give up the lead this task was more difficult than St Ives thought. Unfortunately St Ives did make a breakthrough eventually and despite the efforts of Newmarket they where able to force a second goal. Yet again though, Newmarket where able to respond, yet again from a breakaway attack and yat again Rob Green was able to make sure of his shot to score his secon and Newmarkets fourth. 4-2 Newmarket. St Ives themselves responded with more attacking play and Newmarkets midfield line of Barney Bowens, Adam Gallop, Andrew Beardon and James Atkinson had to work hard to help out the defence. And from this pressure St Ives scored their 3rd goal when Bowens unfortunately turned a cross into his own net. 4-3 Newmarket.
A tense last 10 minutes was on the cards, until Skipper Boyle spotted young James Atkinson coming off his wing and calmly slotted a pinpoint 50yard pass to him, Atkinson was one on one with the St Ives ‘keeper, and with a skill and calmness that belied his youth, chipped the ball over the keeper and became a contender for goal of the season.5-3 Newmarket.
This goal knocked the fight out of St Ives and no more attacks came Newmarkets way, and the game ended with a 5-3 win to Newmarket that demonstrated that they have the skill and heart to win when their backs are against the wall.
