Potton slip up in final league game

In losing 1-0 at home to Woodford United they slipped from a potential fourth place to finish seventh in the league.

In the final analysis it was the points conceded against teams in the lower parts of the division that saw Potton eventually finish outside the top four.

However the team spirit has been good and it is hoped the majority of the players will stay with the club next season.

Woodford had struggled to get a full squad in the morning but they stuck to their task and defended well, preventing Potton from having many clear cut chances.

The home side started on the attack, Marc Umney had a weak shot when clear on goal and then fired over the bar. George Kiely put a shot wide of the target before Calum Forster made a good run but his shot went over the top.

In a rare Woodford foray up front Joe Henderson headed straight at Craig Lewis. A through ball saw Justin McKenzie fire over and the same player had a fierce volley from 20 yards well saved by Lewis.

Just before the half time whistle Umney saw his shot saved by keeper Aaron Parkinson as the half ended goalless.

Early second half play saw the referee knocked over but he was soon on his feet again.

The only goal of the game arrived on the hour mark. Henry James broke into the Potton penalty area and was fouled, the referee awarded a penalty and Paul Beevor made no mistake from the spot.

Potton pushed for the equaliser with Parkinson saving at the feet of Ansell-Carter and then saving efforts from Umney and Aris.

Aris had a further shot deflected by Ansell-Carter that the keeper did well to save. Kenny Smith had an effort from 40 yards that the keeper did well to push over the bar.

Substitute John Bailey enjoyed two good runs down the right but both times saw his effort well saved by Parkinson.

The referee played five minutes of added time but Potton could not force the equaliser.

Potton United: Craig Lewis, George Melrose, Calum Forster, Shaun Faulkner, Luke Harradine, Chris Reeves, George Kiely (Charlie Cotton),Joe Aris, Gary Ansell-Carter, Kenny Smith, Marc Umney (John Bailey)