Goal less in Fenland

Another good point on their travels

A sunny but cold afternoon and the ‘Scholars’ kicked off going up the Hall’s slope in front of a crowd of 161.

The home side settled first as not for the first time on their travels - the visitors took a little time to get into their stride. But once they did they looked the more purposeful side.

George Nicholas hit a firm shot just past the right hand post and then the same player put through Eoin Casey but a defender managed to clear for a corner.

But there was very little goal mouth action from either team and no surprise to arrive at half time without a goal.

Going down the slope the ‘Scholars’ were more intent in the second half – having more of the play and spending more time in the opponents half.

A ‘purple patch’ five minutes should have sown the game up.

First the best move of the match saw a throw-in in from Andrew Lomas flicked on by Lee O’Leary to Eoin Casey to knock down into the patch of Ben Ward-Cochrane whose superb volley was somehow pushed over the bar for a corner.

The corner was cleared for another that was sent to the edge of the six yard box where Carl Pearce rose at the far post above the defence but his header skimmed over the top of the bar.

Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes came of the bench and started causing trouble down the wings – often being uprooted in the cause. Sub Michael Murray come on to make use of the increasing number of free kicks – one effort from the right beating everyone but just going past the left hand post.

Chances continued to come and go – Lee O’Leary breaking through but shot straight at the keeper - a Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes run into the box saw him upended but nothing given - but no one could beat the keeper – Aveley all over again.

It could have been worse though – as despite dominating the second half the home side were able to break well – one effort hitting a post and another shot deflected forcing Berkeley Laurencin into a fine save to push the ball away.

The ‘Scholars’ were not at their strongest due to injury and suspension but looked very sold at the back – especial the central pairing of William Wambeek and Carl Pearce - but I am sure we would have preferred to see Billy Adcock in midfield rather than at full back.

Getting tight in the playoff spots – but all still very much to play for and another well earned point…

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Billy, Adcock, Andrew Lomas, Lee O’Leary, William Wambeek, Carl Pearce, George Nicholas, Jordan Lawal, Ben Ward-Cochrane (Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes 66 mins), Eoin Casey (Ronnie Mfinda 90 mins), Hayes Thomas (Michael Murray 80 mins)

Sub (not used): James Duncan

Man of the Match: George Nicholas – purposeful performance