St Neots Town F.C.
Supporting the saints online

An inspired goalkeeping display by Luke McShane and a brilliant finish by Tony Scully saw Saints come away from Wellingborough with three valuable points as they looked to build on the excellent result at Daventry Town in the previous game.

Wellingborough belied their position at the bottom of the table with a battling display although the quality of football, particularly in the first half, left a lot to be desired. McShane was in action after a couple of minutes, going down to hold a well struck free kick as Saints struggled to find their rhythm and passing game. Josh Sozzo almost put the visitors ahead after nine minutes with a 25 yard volley which home keeper Shaun Markie did well to keep out. A quickly taken corner and cross from Scully saw Glen Fuff head just over before Joe Cossey missed a great chance for the hosts. McShane had to make good saves from Goosey and Richardson before the break although John Mitchell headed over as Saints put together a good passing move.

Wellingborough almost took the lead straight after half time as a poor clearance from the Saints defence was lobbed back towards goal but McShane made a brilliant save to turn the ball away for a corner. Mitchell then saw his shot hit the keepers' legs before McShane was called into action again. Saints brought on leading scorer Liam Harrold and defender Nick Hurst just after the hour mark and this immediately paid dividends as they took the lead. McShane cleared the ball acurately, Harrold flicked it on and Scully fired a sweet shot into the top of the net. Wellingborough fought back and Jordan Gent made several fine clearances before Saints were reduced to 10 men when Mitchell was dismissed for a second yellow card. It was not long however, before the numbers were evened up as substitute Nick Harrison kicked McShane and was promptly sent off. The visiting keeper then made another fine save from Dan Spaughton before Saints were unfortunate not to extend their lead three times in the closing five minutes. Harrold was through on the keeper who locked his effort before Paul Garrett headed down and Robert Hughes shot over. With the last meaningful action of the game, Harrold headed the ball down to Garrett who hit the cross bar with a fierce shot.

• Team: McShane, Hyem, Lodge, Knight, Fuff, Gent, Scully, Hughes, Sozzo, Mitchell, Garrett
• Subs: Harrold (for Sozzo), Colmer, Ashby, Kenneford, Hurst (for Knight)
• Man of Match: McShane

Match date: Tue 13th October 2009