19th November 2011
Stilton Reserves 2 – 3 Baston
A depleted Baston travelled to Yaxley to play Stilton Reserves in their latest Division Four encounter.
Stilton started the brighter of the two sides and should have taken the lead but for a good palm over the crossbar by keeper Rob Clarke. Clarke was on hand once again moments later as he spread himself to deny the Stilton striker one-on-one. Baston’s defence came under further pressure but managed to hit Stilton on the counter attack and take the lead. After missing an earlier chance, Greg Rawlinson embarrassed his marker as he raced onto Josh Cattermole’s through ball, Rawlinson took it past a defender and despite a strong hand the Keeper could only watch the ball bounce over the line for 1-0.
Baston improved thereafter and should have been out of sight by half time. A lot of their good work came down the wings as through James Ward and winger Jono Howard who cut in from the flank, and should have scored twice. First, he placed his shot just wide of the post, and secondly as he attempted a lob which went horribly wide.
Baston came out well in the second half, with Rawlinson missing another good chance as he blasted high and handsomely off target. Despite Stilton trying to press, Baston doubled their lead on the hour as young fullback Ryan Jones sent the ball down the left to Rawlinson, who beat his man and put in an inch perfect cross for strike partner Josh Cattermole to convert and make it 2-0. Baston should have consolidated their advantage and defended their lead, but instead they stood off and watched as Stilton eased their way through the midfield, before a right wing cross was easily slotted in by the striker to make it 2-1.
Baston took the lead again 15 minutes later, a fine Rawlinson run led to a deep cross towards the back post. The ball eventually found its way to Steve Clay 20 yards out, who curled a fine left footed shot inside the near post to restore the two goal cushion. Baston should have been able to relax for the last 20 minutes and nail down the win, but again Stilton hit back straight from the kick off. This time the ball came down their left side, and despite a half save from Clarke, the ball crept towards the line and Jones could do nothing but slide the ball into his own net. Fortunately Baston then dug in defensively and with a change of formation to react to the Stilton pressure, they managed to cling on for the three points as they held on for a 3-2 win.
Manager Phil Davies said “I’m happy with the three points, although I’m not happy with how we went to sleep after scoring each goal in the second half, it was like déjà vu. Hopefully we won’t have the same selection issues next week”
Baston host Division five high flyers Riverside Rovers in a cup match on Saturday 26th November at Langtoft (1.30pm ko)
Man of the Match: Steve Clay
Baston: Rob Clarke, Matt Barnett, Tom Hames, Ben Hudson (c), Ryan Jones, James Ward, Scott Waters, Steve Clay, Jono Howard, Josh Cattermole, Greg Rawlinson
