United Counties League - Premier Division
Deeping Rangers 0 Yaxley 0
Tuesday, 01 April 2008
Outgoing champions Deepings hopes of a top six finish to the current campaign suffered a major setback and the Cuckoos sealed their Premier Division status thanks to a goalless draw. The Cuckoos put in an excellent team performance that will do much to help restore the support from the local fans. Yaxley started with no fewer than 5 changes to last Saturday’s starting eleven.
Without doubt, man of the match for the Cuckoos was “Pocket Rocket” Sam Makansi whose pace, skill and overall work rate was outstanding and a credit to him. Playing alongside him was fellow U18’s player Josh Crick, whose height, physical presence and determination caused the home defence more than a few problems while Dan Jacobs showed that he is settling in to the Cuckoos line-up, with some excellent link-up play through midfield and penetrating runs down the left side.
Cuckoos’ keeper John Feetham was in confident form as were the back four, marshalled by Matt Parrott. It was refreshing to see Ben Russell, Anthony Thomas an David Blake all putting their foot through the ball and not messing about in front of goal, gifting chances to the opposition.
Skipper Ricky Hailstone returned to duty following suspension and motivated his team throughout the game and Lee Blewett put in another positive performance alongside Teddy Rimmell. Jonathan Griggs came on late in the second half and as gainst Long Buckby last Saturday, showed that he has the makings of a first team player.
The Cuckoos took good advantage of the back wind in the first half, frequently forcing the Rangers defence onto the back foot, and with shots and headers going either just going wide or calling the home ‘keeper into serious action, the Cuckoos could have taken a first half lead.
In the second half, Deeping had the benefit of the wind but only came anywhere close to scoring on a few occasions. At the other end, Yaxley penetrated down the flanks and created several goal scoring opportunities but just couldn’t quite convert them. At the end of the day, a draw was a fair result and a valuable point to ensure that the Cuckoos need have no relegation concerns.
Cuckoo’s fans will be eager to see if the youngsters that have this season come up through the youth and reserve team squads will be loyal to their club or be lured away by bigger budgets elsewhere. The money flying around the league this season has done little to improve the standard and much to disrupt the continuity and personal commitment of those players who have yet to understand the value of “club loyalty”. Yaxley’s commitment to bringing local youngsters on through the ranks remains a firm policy and trusts that the local players, supporters and sponsors will recognise this as a recipe for success - certainly last nights performance provided the evidence that it can work.
On Saturday, Yaxley travel to 3rd placed Desborough Town who have only been beaten 4 times in the league this season - it’s going to be a tough one but spirits and confidence are up so COME ON YOU CUCKOOS ! The Reserve team entertain Desboroughs’ second string at Leading Drove - 3pm KO.
Posted in Match Reports
