Parson Drove defeated as second half dominance cannot make up for poor opening period

Peterborough North End Sports 3, Parson Drove 1

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North

A spirited second half performance was not enough for Drove this afternoon as they paid the price for a lacklustre first half showing.

Against a team promoted with them from the Peterborough League last season and lying only one place above them in the table, this was an opportunity for the visitors to start a play-off challenge.

But they gave the home team enough time and room to mount attack after attack in an opening period which saw North End go in 2-0 up.

The second half was a completely different affair, with Drove camped in the home side's half, forcing many corners and twice hitting the woodwork.However, within minutes of Drove reducing the deficit, Sports scored on the break and the mountain was too high to climb.

Drove were slow out of the blocks and conceded after just six minutes when John Yambasu whipped in a cross from the right which was expertly finished in front of goal by striker Josh Hales.

A run and terrific shot from the impressive Harry Grigas forced a good save from Drove keeper Aaron Watson, who also kept out a Liam Rodden header from the resulting corner.

On 28 minutes Hales missed a header from close range but then Drove had their first chance, Nick Davey running down the left and squaring the ball just too far in front of the desperate lunge of fellow striker Ryan Lennon.

In the 37th minute Hales did score his second, finishing off another home attack with a great finish from the edge of the box after a good pass by Joe Graham.

Straight from the second half kick-off, however, Drove looked a different team. After 49 minutes, Davey ran through strongly and smacked the far post with a low drive. A minute later, the same man swivelled and fired wide from close range as the visitors dominated.

The pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Gary Smith's pass slipped in Lennon and the striker finished well from a slight angle to make it 2-1.

Were I a betting man, my money would have been on Drove now, but a 61st minute breakaway saw Hales played through and the striker finished with aplomb to grab a hat-trick and make it 3-1.

It was a great match to watch now, as Drove full backs Josh Lewis and Adam Jackson pushed up to support the midfield and attack, often just central defenders Callum Brown and Ollie Blackman staying back as the visitors dominated possession and the home side defended deeper and deeper.

The goal nearly came after 77 minutes but Lennon's header was expertly tipped on to a post by home stopper Connor Barker. And despite all that attacking intent and successive corners, Drove didn't test Barker again.

This was a disappointing defeat for Parson Drove but a great advert for Step 6 football.

Parson Drove: Watson, Lewis, Jackson, Brown (C), Blackman, Smith (Alexander 67 mins), Hardwick (Calvert 77), Drew, Lennon, Davey (Brand 78), Gear. Subs (not used): Harris, Haime.

Peterborough North End Sports: Barker, Howard, Brando, Garmory, Gellizeau, Rodden, Grigas, Fountain, Hales, Graham (C), Yambasu. Subs (used): Masnita, Nevett, Webb.

Star man: Nick Davey - put in a real shift and gave 100% all afternoon.