AMPTHILL TOWN 1 HODDESDON TOWN 1
Molten Spartan South Midlands League, Division One
Saturday 4th November 2006

AMPTHILL GO TOP AGAIN!

Ampthill Town returned to the top of Division One with the point gained from this encounter with an under-strength but organised Hoddesdon outfit.

The Management team had to make two changes to the side that started against Cranfield last week. Craig Townsend coming in to replace Paul Munday, who is still recovering after last weeks nasty head injury. The other change being Martin Wells inclusion in place of Hugo McGlue who was still nursing a swollen knee – McGlue being deemed fit enough to take his place on the bench though.
Unfortunately, the Amps were then forced to make another change to the starting line-up when in-form player manager Steve Goodridge complained of bad stomach cramps during the warm-up. Michael Owens was promoted from the bench to play at right-mid.

The home side enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges, forcing three corners in the first eight minutes. From the third of these, Andy Bailey stooped to head Paul Muzsnyai’s near post corner towards goal only for the Hoddesdon keeper to tip the effort onto the bar. Hoddesdon’s best effort in the opening ten minutes came from new signing Andrew Martin, who showed a couple of good touches before driving his way infield and hitting a good effort which comfortably cleared the Ampthill crossbar.

With both teams starting to play good football on another perfectly prepared playing surface, it was Ampthill who created perhaps the most clear cut chance so far after 15 mins. Martin Wells racing onto a good through ball but unfortunately his lobbed effort was badly mis-directed, going well wide.
In the 17th minute, busy Hoddesdon forward Martin battled well to dispossess a couple of Ampthill players wide on the right, and then slipped the ball inside for Stephan Brown to hit a fierce shot that went just wide of the far post.

Ampthill broke the deadlock on 25 minutes with a real goal of the season contender. There looked to be little danger to the Hoddesdon goal when a blocked shot fell to Matty Quinn some thirty yards out, but he let fly with a beautifully struck left foot volley that flew past the diving Chris Fitkin and landed in the back of the net. It was certainly a goal to enjoy from the skipper and will have his team mates encouraging him to try his luck from distance more often. 25 minutes, 1-0.

Hoddesdon didn’t allow this setback to affect them, and they continued to go forward with purpose, managing to force a couple of corners that caused problems in the Amps defence. This pressure finally paid off in the 32nd minute as Hoddesdon made it 1 a-piece from a 3rd corner. Sloppy marking allowing a free header at goal, which was blocked on the line only for Stephan Brown to react quickest to fire home the rebound. 32 minutes 1-1.

Despite this setback Ampthill finished the half the stronger team and had a couple of half decent chances to go back in front. Bailey tamely hitting a volley straight at the keeper and then Wells, capitalising on a lapse in the defence’s concentration burst through only to be thwarted by a great saving tackle from the Hoddesdon skipper.

The 2nd half proved to be an even affair with chances at a premium. Ampthill again started the half the brighter side enjoying the lion’s share of possession but their only real effort on goal was when Stuart Reynolds found himself in space just outside the area, the striker choosing to attempt a cheeky chip over the lanky keeper who easily managed to catch the ball above his head.
Hoddesdon then managed to work their way back into the game and started stretching the Amps defence with balls being played down the flanks, but these attacks were being dealt with by a back 5 intent on preserving their impressive goals against stats.
Midway through the half, the Management team made a couple of changes. Reynolds limped off with a nasty stud mark on his foot and was replaced by McGlue. Townsend made way for Keith Snaysill who came on at left back allowing Gary Hutchinson to move up in to centre-mid. Bailey moving across to partner Quill in the centre of defence for the remainder of the match.

With just 10 minutes left Paul Muzsnyai hit a low shot goalwards from the edge of the area but the visiting keeper spread himself well to block with his legs. Both teams then seemed content to play out the last few minutes happy with a point but Ampthill had a great chance to take all 3 just a couple of minutes from time when Quinn launched a long throw into the box which was headed on by Hutchinson to the far post. There all alone was Martin Wells who blazed his effort over the bar when maybe he had more time than he thought.

Team:
Gibb, Tomms, Bailey, Hutchinson, Quill, Townsend (Snaysill), Quinn, Owens, Muzsnyai, Wells, Reynolds (McGlue).
Subs not used: Lewis, Goodridge, Russell.


All in all not a bad point for Ampthill, who kept their concentration right to the final whistle. With Kentish slipping up at Brache, the Amps again sit proudly at the top of the division – maybe only temporarily as the chasing pack have games in hand, but with the points in the bag the team will travel to 2nd place Brimsdown Rovers next week looking to inflict a first defeat on the London club.

AB.