Potton back to their best in Irchester win

The passing and movement off the ball and closing down of the opposition meant the whole squad put in a very creditable performance.

Playing with the advantage of a strong wind in the first minute Joe Aris saw his long range shot go over the bar.

Although Potton were dominating possession it was not until the 14th minute that they created the first clear attempt at goal. Daryl Wisbey worked the ball to George Kiely who centred for Kenny Smith to have his first shot blocked by keeper Dale Hamilton, but Smith reacted first to shoot into the net to give Potton the lead.

A good pass by Smith then put Marc Umney clear but his shot went into the side netting. From a corner Wisbey’s header was cleared off the line to Umney who blasted the ball over the bar.

Smith then played a ball to Gary Ansell-Carter who saw his deflected shot well saved by the keeper. Smith centre eluded everyone before he then shot wide. Just before half-time Irchester had their one attempt at goal when Nathan Heycock’s effort was saved by Craig Lewis.

Potton took some time to settle early in the second half and Dave Miles’ long shot was saved by Lewis.

In the 48th minute Smith played the ball through to Umney who was tripped in the penalty area and Smith made no mistake from the spot.

Irchester were awarded a free kick and from 25 yards Ryan Lovell saw his effort saved by Lewis. Potton started to dominate again with an effort by Chris Reeves being saved, Umney putting the ball into the net only to be ruled offside and Gary Ansell-Carter turned and shot over the bar.

Gary Ansell-Carter passed to George Kiely who saw his effort well saved by the keeper.

In the 78th minute Smith played another through ball to Umney who beat the keeper to the ball and lobbed it over his head and into the net.

Lee Kew tried a long centre that Lewis handled comfortably and at the other end Calum Forster shot wide. Just before the final whistle Shaun Faulkner tackled Dave Miles to prevent him shooting.

The match was played in a good spirit without rally any nasty tackles that made it an easy game for the referee to control, and not issue any cards.

On Saturday Lutterworth Athletic are the visitors to The Hutchinson Hollow and on Tuesday, March 8 runaway UCL Division One leaders Peterborough Sports are the visitors.

Potton United: Craig Lewis, Darly Wisbey, Calum Forster, Shaun Faulkner, Luke Harradine, Chris Reeves, George Kiely (Mark Ansell-Carter), Joe Aris (John Bailey), Gary Ansell-Carter, Kenny Smith (Lee Swain), Marc Umney.