City of Peterborough Mens 2nd XI 3 - Magpies Mens 2nd XI 1


Safety not assured yet for Mens 2nd XI despite good effort

Magpies travelled to Peterborough for a tricky encounter with a side battling to claim the East Prem B title and promotion, and a late pm start did not help matters for the visitors.

With twelve in the squad including the returning Quentin Baynes from suspension, Pies also gave a 2nd XI début to Rob Turnbull with a welcome return of Hamish Barton at right back.

Pies started well and dominated aspects of initial play, soaking up continual pressure from the strong home side. The visitors took the lead, much to everyone's surprise, with a fumbled effort at the back post from forward James Baker who almost managed not to score his 7th of the season. This did not amuse a well-drilled Peterborough side, who fielded several of their 1st team bench players in a strong squad. They pushed to win numerous corners throughout the encounter, and one straight strike ricocheted up over keeper Lane to hit the cross bar and the young Peterborough forward dispatched an easy tap in for 1-1. Pies continued to push in the first half and had a few attempts from Tompkins, Fields and Kinsella, all just narrowly wide.

Half time brought a welcome rest as Pies pressed hard to keep the home side out as they went close with two great opportunities. On a warm day, water was a definite requirement and Pies skipper Martin Fields urged his side to keep up the pressing and hard work. However, despite some good work in defence another penalty corner resulted in a sweet reverse stick strike low past Lane and the postmen to make it 2-1 to the home side. Pies' cause was further hardened by Barton receiving a yellow card for what seemed like a decent below shoulder height take down, but the umpires did not agree. Ten men Pies fought hard to retain possession, with the defence of Baynes, Dyson, Taylor and Francis helping to keep it respectable while down. Barton soon returned but Pies let in a soft third to make it 3-1.

A great effort on a warm day, and with results around them not exactly going to plan, a must win game against Letchworth next weekend is on the cards for the 2nd XI.

Squad: Lane (GK), Barton, Dyson, Taylor, Baynes L, Baynes Q, Turnbull, Francis, Kinsella, Fields, Baker, Tompkins

MOTM: Hamish Barton

DOTD: James Baker