St Neots Town F.C.
Supporting the saints online

With more than a touch of showbiz razzmatazz St Neots turned on the style in a thoroughly entertaining evening at a packed Rowley Park. The entertainment started prior to kick off when the newly unveiled St Neots Cheerleaders treated the massed ranks of spectators to a combination of chants, dance and gymnastics. The crowd hushed to hear the chanting and the fans showed their appreciation with warm applause.

The Saints made 6 changes to the side which drew at Ely the previous Saturday. These included 4 debutants, Matt Hannover & Steve Smith both from Cambridge City, the returning Liam Harrold and left full back Andy Lodge. Also fresh from his holiday, Mickey Hyem returned to midfield along with Josh Sozzo. Clive Allen, whose squad had been weakened by 4 call ups to the senior tour of China, still fielded a side that included several young international.

Spurs started the game with frenetic speed in a highly impressive attacking display. Despite being under the cosh the St Neots defence looked composed even though their opponents hit the woodwork twice before they eventually took the lead. The Spurs opener had more than a touch of good luck about it as M'Poku appeared to trip himself up as he raced into the box; however the referee, much to the disgust of the home players awarded a penalty which was converted by Dean Parrett.

The Saints worked hard to get back into the match with Sozzo and Harrold working well together up front. Although the Saints were enjoying their best spell of the match Spurs struck the woodwork a further three times before doubling the lead 10 minutes from half-time. Adam Smith made a fantastic run down the right-hand side before releasing M'Poku to grab a goal for himself, giving Spurs a deserved two-goal lead at the break.

The Saints started the second half brightly and Sozzo almost scored following a flick on from Harrold, a few minutes later Harrold scored, the goal his efforts fully deserved, from a header following good work from Sozzo. This seemed to stun the young Tottenham side however they quickly regained their composure and displayed their character by responding in perfect fashion and restoring their two-goal lead soon after. The visitors once again appeared to get the rub of the green as Kudos Oyenuga looked to be well offside when he received the ball; he made a strong run into the box before setting up Harry Kane to finish from close range.

St Neots made several substitutions and continued to work hard. Shane Hill had their best chance to close the gap when he hit a rising shot which cleared the bar. As the space began to open up it should have been four when the lively M'Poku hit a post not long before time.

The 1177 spectators had a good nights all round entertainment and although Tottenham were worthy winners St Neots will be taking a lot of positives out of the evening. The team looked better balanced and will have benefited from a game played with such intensity.

Tottenham: Jansson; Smith, Durojaiye, Blackwood, Nicholson; Fredericks, Parrett, Cox, M'Poku; Kane, Oyenuga

• Team: McShane, Hannover, Lodge, Hyem, Fuff, Hurst, Scully, Smith, Harrold, Sozzo, Okai.
• Subs:
• Man of Match:

Match date: Tue 28th July 2009