Ambers lose out to Pikes

Second placed promotion contenders Pickering Town were the latest high profile name to visit Sandy Lane as the games come thick and fast at the business end of the season. Paul Marshall’s side have the best defensive record in the league, and on this showing, it’s easy to see why.
In an even start to the game, the visitors were indebted to keeper Wells who tipped an excellent header from Reece Hands over the bar in the 8th minute, before Dalton broke down the left for Town but was stopped in his tracks by a Jack McCarthy tackle as he attempted to supply into the box.
The Pikes grabbed the lead after 15 minutes when a deep corner from the right was misjudged by Gary Stevens and the ball returned from the by-line onto the head of ex Amber Sam Denton who headed home from 12 yards.
There was a blow for the visitors when the combative Cooper limped off following an innocuous challenge with Richard Tootle, but his replacement Birch slotted in well to his position supporting lone striker Blott who was being well marshalled by The Ambers back line.
Handsworth started to build the pressure as half time approached but a penalty appeal as Joe Thornton tumbled in the box was more in hope than expectation. The recalled Alex Rippon, fresh from his exploits with Sheffield FC in midweek, then had a couple of decent headers cleared by the Town defence who stood firm.
After an evenly contested first half, The Ambers started the second period well and forced The Pikes back towards their own goal, but that is how Pickering seem to play, and whatever was thrown at them was soaked up without too much drama.
Thornton and Rippon continued to link well up front but got little change from Denton and Tilsley whilst Danny Buttle was being contained by the excellent Parker at right back. Rippon and McCarthy both passed up close range opportunities before Hands clipped the crossbar with a great effort from 25 yards. A good passage of play then saw Thornton feed Rippon who raced clear of his marker and got his shot away, but Wells was equal to it and made a terrific save.
Aaron Moxam was introduced from the bench as The Ambers went with three at the back, but it was Town who came closest to scoring next as Birch broke free but Stevens redeemed himself with an excellent stop.
As Handsworth pressed and probed, they were always susceptible to a quick breakaway, and opportunities for the visitors came and went, but despite their efforts, The Ambers were unable to break down a well marshalled and resolute Pikes defence.

HE Barnes Man of The Match – Will Eades