United Counties League Premier Division

Yaxley  1     Northampton Spencer  1

Saturday, 30 December 2006

Caretaker manager Gary Clipston obviously got the response he was hoping for as the underdog Cuckoos came out fighting and determined to show the home supporters that they are better than their league position suggests. With several key players absent with ‘flu and work commitments, Clipston resurrected club stalwarts Jim Katona and James MacCullum from the reserve team. In the first half, Yaxley opened the stronger side and despite the teaming rain that made the playing surface extremely slippery, created more goal scoring opportunities than title chasing Northampton Spencer.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Yaxley were dealt a bitter blow as the visitor’s midfielder Peter Gregory’s shot on goal took a wicked deflection and hit the back of the net. In the teaming rain, The Cuckoos bounced back and only minutes later, a tremendous counter-attack led to a shot on the visitor’s goal being blocked by a defenders hand. Despite the ‘keeper getting a hand to the resulting penalty he couldn’t keep Mark Paul’s 16^th goal of the season out.

The last 25 minutes of the game were frantic as both sides battled to take the points but it remained even Stevens.

After the game, Gary Clipston praised his squad and said that every one of his players had contributed to a great game and showed that the fighting spirit was still there. “I was pleased for the lads – they played their hearts out and it was obvious from the supporters that their efforts were appreciated. It was a great game for both sides. We need to build on today – we’re not out of the woods yet.”

The Cuckoos next home game is Saturday 13^th January v Wootton Blue Cross. The Reserves entertain Desborough Res on Saturday 6^th January.