M3 1-0 Newmarket Mens 2

A revised line-up due to illness meant that it took a little time for the Cambridge South 3rd XI to find their rhythm against opposition who, on paper at least, should have been easy to beat. The revised midfield of Tim Waller, David Bridge and James Bridge took the contest to the opposition and the game remained firmly camped inside Newmarket's half for the first quarter of the match. The defence supported the midfield very high up the pitch and, by pinning in the Newmarket defence, the forwards were given a little space in which to operate.

Centre forward Mark Jackson and winger Jack Chalk had a number of good chances although the keeper played aggressively and made clear shots difficult to come by. Although South's dominance meant that defending near the halfway line was the obvious way to keep pressure on Newmarket, the visitors forwards were in danger of breaking away on a number of occasions and were only prevented from doing so by the timely intervention of full back Jan Brynjolffssen and sweeper John Benedikz. Newmarket had little originality in their attacks and rarely used the wings to stretch the defence, although when they tried this Andrews Pounce and Leonard coped admirably.

Throughout the second quarter of the game Newmarket began to push forward a little more but, although reaching threatening positions, were unable to manage a shot on target as South defended strongly, with the whole team making a dedicated effort to tackle quickly within the twenty-five. Failing to pass was one of Newmarket's weak points and this was exploited to good effect by David Bridge, releasing Rory Johnson down the left wing, and Tim Waller, working well with Jack Chalk along the right. Jack's pace and commitment along the wing usually beat the visitors' defence but the opening goal remained elusive despite forcing a number of short corners from which the defence continued to break early.

Almost immediately from the restart South showed their best piece of play. A series of unselfish short sharp passes released Wilco down the right wing before the ball was fed to James Bridge in the centre of the field and his strong run into the D drew the keeper off his line. After drawing the keeper, James switched the ball to the right for Jack Chalk to sweep the ball home at the far post.

This five minute period was South's finest, with committed tackling especially from James and Tim in the centre and Jan at the back, with all players running off the ball to support the defence whilst they were under pressure. The ball was then worked out to the sides of the pitch using short sharp passes, with people looking up and making themselves available before determined running and unselfish passes allowed the ball to beat the defence and clear shooting opportunities to be made.

James Bridge was unlucky not to add a second when his shot was deflected over the keeper and, alas, also the crossbar.

The game continued with South dominating and as time counted down, Newmarket spirits began to flag a little. They revived themselves a little in the final fifteen minutes but were unable to break through the defence for a clear shot. Their attacking was predominated by attempts to break through the centre of the pitch and Jan Brynjolffssen had a superb period of play, preventing them from doing so on most occasions. Despite a string of short corners, Newmarket had just one shot on target (that came from open play), late in the game, that was turned around the post by keeper Will Benedikz.

At the final whistle, South had achieved their objective of the points and could be pleased with most of their play, especially their support of one another. However, Newmarket had been no pushover and the game was more difficult than expected.

Man of the Match was Jan Brynjolffssen for his consistent and persistent defending which thwarted many potential Newmarket attacks, with an honourable mention to Jack for his tireless attacking work.

The result keeps South top of Div 7NW, three points clear of the chasing pack. St Neots beat Bourne two-nil to remain second, whilst St Ives (beaten three-one at home by March 4) and Alford (who drew two-two at Wisbech) both lost ground. The team have the third best defensive record in the East League having conceded just eight league goals (only Peterborough Athletic 2nds and Alford 2nds have better records with just six and seven goals conceded respectively).

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Jan Brynjolffssen
Player of the Match

Consistent and persistent defending which thwarted many potential Newmarket attacks.