Town travelled to Springfield on Saturday for a senior league cup match for their first game since 28th November, a lay off lasting 8 weeks. The good news was the return of Brez and Nicky Evans both back from long term injuries, but Graham Jeater, Lee Humphrey and Dave Martin were missing for a variety of reasons.

Kicking down the slope Springfield started the brighter and almost took the lead after 5 minutes but the cross bar came to Town’s rescue. Springfield continued to have the better of things and the ball fizzed around the Town area on a few occasions and only some desperate last ditch defending and a good slice of lady luck kept the game scoreless until Springfield , rather unsurprisingly and thoroughly deservedly, took the lead with a header 0-1. Town, obviously very rusty and short of match fitness were struggling to get into the game but they then, against the run of play, equalised when Nicky Evans, found himself some room in the penalty area, his first touch was instant and he hammered home from close range to bring the scores level – 1-1. This seemed to settle Town down a bit and for the first time in the game they got the ball down and played some neat passing football. They were rewarded when Polley managed to shake his marker off and played an exquisite through ball for Brez to run onto; Brez rounded the keeper and finished by sliding the ball home from an acute angle 2-1. Town were now “in the groove” and Polley then hit a fierce shot from fully 25 yards that was destined for the top corner but the Springfield keeper tipped it away superbly for a corner. Just when it looked like Town would go into half time with a lead, Towns defence, that up until now had looked about as solid as a chocolate teapot went to sleep and Springfield scored again with a well worked goal - 2-2.

The second half started and for the first 15 minutes it was a fairly even affair with both teams probing without creating too many clear cut chances. Town looked good going forward and probably just edged the possession but Springfield’s quick and incisive counter attacks caused Town problems and in all honesty they looked the most likely to score. It looked like the game would go to extra time when with 7 minutes left Springfield scored again -2-3. Straight up the other end Headon hit a screamer that fizzed an inch or two wide. Straight back to the other end and just after missing an absolute sitter from 2 yards Springfield scored their second goal in a 2 minute spell to effectively finish the game – 2-4. To their credit Town, despite several tired legs still had a go and the Springfield keeper was forced into 2 good saves in the space of a minute; first from a fierce shot from Polley and then Headon hit a crisp first timer that was pushed aside for a corner. With 2 minutes left Headon scored with a sublime chip from the edge of the box that left the Springfield keeper helpless 3-4. The whistle went and Town went out of another cup competition (3rd time this season) to lower league opposition.

Summary: Town did “OK” for 70 minutes but lack of match fitness took its effect later on in the game. Springfield thoroughly deserved their win and we wish them well in the next round. The good news is the return of Brez and Nicky who both came through the game unscathed and hopefully everyone will benefit from getting a game under their belt.

El Col