Spangels 1 Panfield Bell Rovers 2

BNESL Division Three

Spangels ran run-away division three leaders Panfield Bell Rovers to the wire in this fixture and were extremely unfortunate not to share the spoils, with a determined display.

After last weeks performance, it was a shame changes had to be made, with Lowe's injury and Tivey's absense forcing Spangels into a new line-up.

Ramsay returned between the sticks after appearances there earlier in the season and Hagan got a chance to start following a good display the previous week. Whiteman returned to the squad as the only substitute.

From the kick-off Spangels took the game to their opponents, playing some nice stuff in the first ten minutes, but Panfield soon came into the game causing problems of their own.

With Spangels struggling to create clear cut chances, it was Panfield who took the lead mid-way through the half, with the Spangels defence caught flat-footed.

A second followed soon after, with more indicision in the Spangels back-line and the game was starting to run away from the home side. Shortly before half-time, right-back Lynch departed with a groin strain, allowing Whiteman an earlier than expected return.

The second half saw a much improved attacking and defensive display, as Spangels restricted Panfields chances and started to create some of their own. One 40 yard ball from Pritchard was tipped over by the away 'keeper following a Whiteman header and Rivett went close with a 20 yard effort. Ramsay pulled off a couple of saves to keep Spangels in it, as more men were committed forward.

Spangels breakthrough came with under ten minutes left. A Crow corner was cleared, but Hagan played the ball back out wide and Crow's cross was finished emphatically via Whiteman's head at the far post.

More drama followed just seconds from the end, as from another Spangels corner a Panfield defender handled on the line. Crow confidently took the ball following the penalty award, but saw his well struck effort excellently saved by the away custodian. Full time followed almost immediately thus denying Spangels another notable result.

Team : Ramsay, Lynch (Whiteman (1)), Wilson, Pritchard, Theobald (C), Rivett, Sayer, Winsborough, Crow, Hagan, Putt.

Spangels MOM : Craig Ramsay.