Game 17
22/02/25 - League
Newark and Sherwood 2 – 1 AFC
Attenborough’s availability issues finally caught up with
them in Saturday’s top of the table clash away at Newark and Sherwood, but only
after a game effort from the squad of twelve that made the long trip to
Lincolnshire.
Three of the squad from the previous week’s excellent
victory were missing this time, including the important Simon Savage which left
a huge void to fill in defence. Graham Mee was able to make a last-minute
signing of forward Harry Morgan to ensure we had an option off the bench, while
the versatile Lakshay Sharma was tasked with filling in at right back.
Like us, the hosts hadn’t dropped a point since the opening
day 3-3 draw between the sides and these remaining two head-to-head clashes had
the feel of title deciders.
It was clear Attenborough were up against it given the lack of
options to manager Mee, not necessarily in terms of ability, but certainly numerically,
the home side having a fully stocked bench of five to provide fresh legs, but
the visitors, wearing their red away kit, gave a determined first-half showing,
with our defence limiting a talented attacking side to few chances, Will
Humphriss particularly instrumental in that with a no-nonsense display at the
back, while Sharma competed admirably out of position, showing an excellent
attitude to keep battling on and give his all for the team.
Shortly before the hour mark things got tough for Attenborough
as Newark and Sherwood scored twice within eight minutes, first Harry Rusynuik fired
a good shot into the bottom corner to break the deadlock having been left unmarked
on the edge of the area, before Tyler Rigley doubled the advantage with a
close-ranged effort.
Given the home side’s free-scoring tendencies, Attenborough
could well have gone under after that, but there’s plenty of character in this side
and Humphriss swept in a Pursglove corner – Will’s ninth goal of the season - to
make a real game of it in the final quarter. Indeed, if Riley Billson’s late shot
hadn’t gone inches the wrong side of the post, then we’d have secured a vital
point in the title race.
Will Humprhiss scores in the 67th minute
This result now leaves Attenborough likely needing to win every game this season, including the final big clash between the top two at The Strand on March 29th, something this side is capable of, but that’s before factoring in Newark and Sherwood’s superior goal difference, which puts them firmly in pole position.
haywood; sharma, r caine, humphriss (67’), keegan-o’kane;
mee, billson, l caine ©, luke smith; greatorex, pursglove
sub; morgan
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