Cambridge South 2nd XI, sponsored by PWC, were reminded of the importance of this game by skipper Kev Rowland, given the team were sitting in 6th place in 5NW; with teams under them with only 2 points difference.

South began the game a pace above March Town for the first 10 minutes, looking for an early goal. This came from club debutant Al Sinclair who skilfully worked around the March defence in the D to take a shot at goal which took a deflection from a defenders stick, a deserved goal for South that had dominated the beginning of the game. March responded by raising their game. This led to what was an end to end game, March were quick on the counter attack with a pacey midfield that were able to work there way into South’s danger zone quickly. Their equaliser came from such a counter attack and a rare drop in concentration from the south defence. A March forward worked his way into the D and crossed from the right to a waiting unmarked forward at the left post, leaving Lino Di Lorenzo totally exposed. An unchallenged slot on to the backboard made it 1-1.

South’s defence picked up the marking in a tighter fashion from there on. Dave Bartram was disciplined and effective in sticking to their captain, insuring that attacks down their right were met with confident defending. On the other side of the park, the ever well timed jab tackles of George Wych constantly dispossessed the March left flank. Dave Monck, was playing as centre back in order to insure a constant presence to block offensive moves down the middle, while Neil Sneade as sweeper was able to move around the zone mopping up. These two really are effective in the middle together. The South defence continued to illustrate why they have been the most effective defence in this league this season.

South’s second goal came once more from Al, causing mayhem in the D. There followed a general milieu of players in the D, however Al saw to it that South went 2-1 up by finding a gap through he players to push the ball over the line. This followed a number of fouls by March where the umpire sensibly let play go on with the advantage.

March's equaliser came from an organised short corner that was pacey and well executed, 2-2. During the half time talk, the message was carry on as we are, without any slips in concentration to give March an opportunity.

Despite feeling unwell, Colin Singleton pushed himself. Quick on the break, as quick to get back and defend. Samin Istiaq and Stuey Creed were using the space intelligently in wide midfield positions, using accurate line passes and runs to insure that the pitch was used extensively. The March defence continued to struggle against an offensive South midfield and forwards. Pip Dickinson consistently made headway through March’s midfield and defence throughout the game causing them to pull players back, forcing them deep into their own half. On a counter attack he took the ball into the D, wide left, and over committed the keeper, the option was there to go around him, however Rob Barton had clearly seen the opportunity and put himself in the ideal position to receive a pass from Pip, which led to him nonchalantly pushing the ball in at the right post. This is the kind of intelligent cooperation by forwards that ensures goals. 3-2 to South.

At the other end South’s keeper, Lino the Cat, gave an exhibition of how to keep goal on the feet or on the floor. Whilst on the deck at full stretch with March players in the D his clearances were powerful enough to reach the sideline or reach a South player in position to counter attack. Continually frustrating the oppositions forwards efforts at goal, Lino moved quickly into a goal saving position between the posts responding to shots at any height.

With only a short period to hold the game Kev increased the numbers at the back to help keep the score line to South’s advantage, until a calve cramp meant that any running about came to an end. Colin came back onto the field with a wagging tail, despite his dental discomfort, persuaded by the promise of a new ‘pooch pleaser rope chew’.

South did not sit back but made concerted efforts to increase the scoreline advantage toward the end of the game. March also pushed forward in an effort to change the situation however were met with a team effort to ensure they did not effect South bringing home the 3 points.

Credit goes to the umpires Ron Oren and Steve Riches who managed a game that was physical at times and exhibited consistency, appropriate player chats and patience at challenging moments throughout the game.

Skipper Kev Rowland was delighted with today’s result commenting “It was a physically hard game that required tenacity and consistent physical effort for the full 70 minutes. The team gave a performance that illustrated a real determination to win today against good opposition, it feels good to get the result and I’m very proud of the guys”