McCafferty sets up own goal reprieve for Blueboys to take draw

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division One Winslow United 1 London Colney 1 A LATE own goal ensured London Colney picked up a point at Winslow United on Saturday in Division One. Winslow started the day in the top five and Colney were not at their

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division One

Winslow United 1 London Colney 1

A LATE own goal ensured London Colney picked up a point at Winslow United on Saturday in Division One.

Winslow started the day in the top five and Colney were not at their best in the first half as they struggled to recapture the form shown in their previous two outings.

Long throw specialist Steve Garbutt caused Colney problems and defenders Josh Humbert and Tom Dickie had to make crucial clearances. Goalkeeper Alistair Hill also had to come out to make a clean catch.

At the other end a challenge from Humbert on Winslow goalkeeper Sam Wiltshire was ruled to be illegal by the officials.

Phil Martin saw his snap shot sail over the bar for the home side and Richard Shirley struck a shot just wide.

Cain Davey arrowed a shot over the cross bar for Colney after good work from Lee Benning and Gary Simmonds.

Hill made a great double save when he flicked a stunning drive from Alex Woodfine onto the cross bar and then blocked the rebound effort from Martin.

The Colney defence was finally breached when Luke Bitmead found Chris Hill who turned and drove the ball home for the opening goal.

In the second half Colney replaced Cain Davey and Greg Shaw with John Beschizza and new signing Dean Barker. Suddenly the Blueboys found their movement but they had to be alert to deny Winslow a second. Goalkeeper Hill denied his namesake Chris Hill and Danny McCafferty blocked the follow-up effort on the line.

With Russell Gallagher lively on the flanks, Colney sparked into life and Danslow, Humbert and Simmonds all went close to scoring.

Dave Corran replaced Benning as the Blueboys continued to press and finally the goal arrived. McCafferty delivered a good free kick into the box and Winslow number eight Paul Talbot saw his header beat his own goalkeeper.

Both teams pressed for the winner with Danslow and Gallagher going close for Colney and Hill saving from Chris Hill at the other end.

London Colney: Hill, Benning (Corran), Paradise, McCafferty, Dickie, Humbert, C. Davey (Beschizza), Simmonds, Danslow, Shaw (Barker), Gallagher. Unused sub: Seabrook.

London Colney reserves were beaten 11-0 by Reserve Division One league leaders Oxhey Jets on Saturday. The Blueboys were 4-0 down at the break before rampant Oxhey indulged in a scoring spree during the second period.