Draw for the new year

City were well matched and played out a competitive fixture against St Martins at home at KGV.It was the first league action since a draw at Sidmouth over six weeks before and the only match played between was a facile drubbing of the younger Central Redstar in a one sided friendly.

On a very heavy pitch,the fixture was probably in doubt right up to the last minute,and with longish grass as well to tire the legs,Citys’ training and fitness was evident as they kept going to the end.

St Martins stall was set out early,playing from the back and pressing forward with some fluency.City rode an early warning as a freekick sailed over the bar.Attrition seemed to be the apt descriptive word for most of the tight first half,Charlie getting some joy running the right wing from fullback and a series of throw ins often saw City gain ground.However,with little quarter given,it was a relief when Will P found some space and opened the scoring with a looping right footer in what was virtually the first real attack of the game.

Noah was once again called upon to be alert,showing great handling and kicking as City maintained the single goal lead to halftime.Tom O was subbed on as Dan limped off ,fortunately able to return to the affray in the second half.Sustained St Martins pressure was evident and the whistle blew to signal a welcome break.

City saw more of the play in the second half and started to put more passing moves together albeit under difficult playing conditions.Will P followed the Lee Holmes model,landing Citys’ first corner of the game inswinging onto the bar.But as City played slightly deep,St Martins came on to them and levelled the score with a looping shot.

Almost immediately though the lead was restored when Cam put a through ball over the defence and Alfie persisted enough to worry the defenders off the ball and scoop it into the right corner.Despite close freekicks from Cam and Josh,City were caught out allowing a midfield run to go unchallenged for the final result,2-2.There was still time for both Toms to go close near the end but on reflection it was a fair result.The effort gave a team Men of the Match award,so well done Noah,Sam,Charlie,Cameron,Josh,Will P,Dan,Tom D,Ewan,Will A,Alfie,Joe,Tom O and Oner and the spirit of Dylan,back to light training.