Potton grab last minute winner

With the Corby visitors having just seen off previously undefeated Peterborough Sports, and after their own recent poor run, Potton were expecting a tough match on Saturday and so it turned out to be. S&L were continually in the face of the young referee and trying to influence his decisions.

On the balance of play, especially their attacking in the first half and defending in the second, this was a well deserved win that keeps Potton in fourth place although there are still some hard games to come before the end of the season.

Playing with the advantage of a strong wind Potton opened brightly. Gary Ansell-Carter saw his effort go wide before Marc Umney passed to Joe Aris who fired over. Another good move saw Steve Muggeridge play in Gary Ansell-Carter but his effort was wide of the mark.

But in S&L’s first real attack the ball was played through to the experienced Michael Byrne who calmly slotted his shot past Craig Lewis to open the scoring.

However Potton fought straight back and from a corner the ball fell to Gary Ansell-Carter who swivelled and saw his low shot finish in the back of the net.

A free kick from Calum Forster was headed goalwards by Chris Reeves but it was deflected for a corner.

Into the second half Tom Berwick was allowed to steal the ball near the corner and worked his way in only to shoot in Potton’s side netting. A long centre from Daryl Wisbey finished with Bartle saving well from Gary Ansell-Carter.

S&L were awarded two free kicks from 25 yards out. Forbes’ first effort went well over the bar but the second was just narrowly over the top.

A good passing movement saw Muggeridge play the ball to Umney who beat the keeper to the ball but saw his final effort blocked.

An S&L free kick saw Danny Reid’s header go straight to Lewis from close range and then it took two attempts by the keeper to gather a free kick from Liam Boath.

Potton had introduced all three substitutes and in the 89th minute they grabbed the winner. Gary Ansell-Carter and Umney worked the ball into the S&L penalty area and it fell kindly Mark Ansell-Carter to put the ball in the net for his first goal of the season.

It was pleasing to see a crowd of 77 at today’s match boosted by the 17 guests of the day’s match sponsor. It is hoped they will be able to attend the club’s last five home matches in the league.

On Saturday Potton visit Irchester United in the league.

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