Potton left to rue missed chances in Kempston stalemate
Potton United failed to find their shooting boots as they were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Kempston Rovers in the SSML Premier Division on Tuesday night.
The visitors started brightly with a Taylor Keely centre being collected by home keeper Tommy Howard, while at the other end, Sam Galatis saved from Sam Ezenwaka.
Dan Wappett headed wide, while Ezra Forde’s flick on sent Keely away, who saw his shot repelled, Jadell Brown crossing for Alie Bangura to head off target, the striker also missing another opportunity.
Ben Holmes did well to put in a tackle on Arel Amu just as he was about to shoot, with Eddie Connolly also denied by Howard, as Ezenwaka saw his header pushed over the bar by Galatis.
The closing 10 minutes of the first half saw both Keely and Harvey Vegh forced off with injuries, Keely replaced by new signing Israel Ajana.
At the start of the second half, Potton were close to taking the lead when Jadell Brown freed Bangura whose low shot hit the outside of the post.
Matt Gilbert found Bangura who shot well wide, as Holmes tried a 25-yard shot that forced Howard into a full length save.
Jadell Brown’s free kick was saved, as was Jordan Brown’s weak header, while in the closing stages, Max Ryan, who had earlier been shown a yellow card, clattered into Ben Holmes and received his second booking, with the referee also dismissing Holmes for his retaliation.
Potton were beaten on Saturday, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Cockfosters in what was a controversial contest.
The hosts welcomed back Jordan Brown to their side, as they began well, Ezra Forde seeing his shot easily saved by the keeper.
Jandir De Cruz struck the woodwork from 25 yards for the visitors, but Potton were ahead on 13 minutes, Alie Bangura and Jadell Brown combining for Taylor Keely to volley into the net.
De Cruz was wide with a header and Keagan Cole saw his shot deflected for a corner, as Sam Galatis made a good save from Oluwatobi Coker.
At the other end, Bangura was off target, as was Harvey Vegh, while Jordan Brown saw his claims for a penalty turned down.
Just before the interval, Junior Mubiayi had a header that hit the outside of the post, but in stoppage time, they levelled, when Antonio Michael scored from close range although Potton claimed Galatis was impeded in the build-up.
In the second period, Jordan Brown was sent clean through only to put his effort the wrong side of the post, as Bangura was wide, with Forde denied.
Galatis dived full length to save a free kick from Harry Gallagher, but with 68 minutes gone, Cockfosters took the lead when a long clearance beat the Potton defence and Coker went through to round Galatis, putting the ball into an empty net.
Late on, United had further appeals for a spotkick when Peter Murphy made a determined run into the penalty area before being brought down, but again nothing was given.
Potton visit Sawbridgeworth Town in the league this weekend and then travel to Newport Pagnell Town in the SSML Premier Division Cup on Tuesday night.
» Arlesey Town were beaten 2-0 at Kings Langley in their SSML Premier Division match on Saturday, as they visit Wormley Rovers this weekend.