Casuals and Pelham were back in action today as they drew 2-2 at home vs a very strong Sawbridgeworth Town. Both teams started pretty brightly considering the icy cold conditions and not having played for three weeks. However it was the away side who took an early lead after Pelham failed to clear the ball properly, putting pressure on themselves and eventually being punished on the 5 minute mark. Pelham had started OK though and didn't sit back feeling sorry for themselves as they pushed on to find the equiliser. They were back on level terms on the 10 minute mark after some good play in the middle of the park between Rob Parrish, Tim Shaw and Gavin Brace, with the latter playing a ball through the middle to set Liam Perry on his way as he slotted the ball home cooly into the far corner. The game continued to be a battle in the middle of the park as both teams pushed for their second goal. Pelham were the team to find that next goal as Tim Shaw scored from a free kick on the edge of the Sawbridgeworth area. A touch of fortune as it went in off the keeper but the ball was struck right into the corner with the keeper scrambling. Sawbridgeworth continued to press for their second and found it on the 35 minute mark as its turned out to be another goal of good fortune. A shot from the Sawbridgeworth striker took 2 deflections and just crept into the corner of the Monks goal. The end of the first half saw Adam Notley replace Paul Knight, as both teams continued to battle hard. It ended all square at half time, staying 2-2 for the last 10 minutes. The second half kicked off and the away side started the better. Although both teams wanted the win, Sawbridgeworth needed it that little bit more if they were to have a chance of winning the league and you could tell as they really went for it. Sawbridgeworth started to move the ball a lot faster and were the dominant side in the second half, but without creating any real clear cut chances. However Sawbridgeworth had a few good shouts for penalties which could well have been given but were waved away by the referee. The best chance of the second half fell to Liam Perry as he was played through one on one with the oppositions keeper but could not find the corner of the goal. Although Pelham were backs to the wall for the last half hour, they stood strong and very few chances were created by not only Sawbridgeworth but Pelham as well. The rest of the second half was battled out in the middle of the park and the final whistle was blown. A stalemate in the second half with the game finishing 2-2 at the end. A hard fought point for a battling Pelham side against what seems to be the best team we have played so far this season. More importantly the unbeaten run continues with just 4 league games left. Mathematically we can still be caught so let's just take it one week at a time and focus on next weeks big games vs Brewers FC. Sam Kellow was Micks man of the match and another mention is the return of Joe White who will also be available for next weeks big game. Hopefully it might be a bit more of an easier match to get involved in. On to next week and the final push towards the end of the league campaign. COYCAP.
