Newmarket Town U18 3 v Royston Town U18 3

Royston came from two goals down to earn a point but were left to rue missed chances after having the lion’s share of possession

Newmarket started brightly with a good opening 10 minutes of attacking play although the Crows defence looked steady. Gradually the visitors got the upper hand. Michael Baulk floated the ball over the home ‘keeper from 25 yards after his free kick had only been partly cleared for 0-1 after 20 mins, As Royston piled on the pressure it just seemed like just a matter of time before more goals would come but missed chances and some last ditch defending kept the Jockeys in the game and a breakaway goal on 35 mins levelled the scores

In the last minute of the half Newmarket striker Stokes fired a low shot across the box and Ben Dolman looked to have it covered only for it to clip Alex Hewer’s heel and deflect in off the far post for 2-1

HT 2-1

Half time changes of personnel and shape to a midfield diamond saw the Crows dominate the play and home goal seemed to lead a charmed life. Baulk hit the bar and was tripped when put through by Ethan Morley but only a yellow card and free kick. A counter attack saw a low cross from the right not gathered by the otherwise immaculate Dolman giving Newmarket a tap in for 3-1
Harrison Knowles, Joe Babbage and Adam Taylor were all judged offside by the narrowest of margins and the home keeper made several instinctive saves including denying Sushanth Suganaran from point blank range

The Crows pulled a goal back from a five man passing move giving Joe Babbage the chance to coolly slot home with 9 minutes to go.

In Injury time substitute ‘keeper Ollie Charlesworth launched a long kick which eluded the home defence and Baulk superbly ghosted in to nod past the advancing ‘keeper to level the scores

The overall performance showed great spirit to come from two goals down and with sharper finishing the Crows should have taken all three points. Several good individual displays as the new squad gathers momentum.