Ampthill Town lost their unbeaten run on Grand National day but last weekend they gave a thoroughbred performance to defeat new champions Stotfold.
The visitors clinched the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 title in midweek but on Saturday the Amps handed them their first loss since early November to earn a priceless three points.
A week after their lackluster performance at Amersham, Town returned to the winners’ crease with a stunning 1-0 triumph that secured the club a play-off spot with three games remaining.
The new champions received a guard of honor from their hosts, but the banter ended there and Sam Holmes’ first-half goal proved decisive as Ampthill prevailed in the battle for the crucial points.
It was the third time since Christmas that the teams had met Town losers in the trophy, but after being the only team to take a point from New Roker, Lee Hawkes orchestrated a hugely important victory.
Sam Holmes has had scant time on the goalscoring front lately but picked a good moment to add to his tally when he broke the deadlock and poached the winner in the 22nd minute. Town won a throw-in and Charlie Cullen’s set-piece caused problems in the Stotfold defense and it was up to Holmes to volley past Liam Gooch for that 16th goal of the campaign.
Stotfold started the game very aggressively and found the home defense in better shape although two low crosses into the goalmouth in five minutes around the half-hour mark went unpunished.
Ross Tomkins was called upon to make some good saves late in the first half, although James Younger headed towards him and Luke Smith overshot a free kick on the outside.
Roker’s men asked plenty of questions after the break but found Town up to the task and had all the answers. Joe Sutton volleyed wide at 55 minutes and later in the half City keeper Tomkins kept his side in front with two wonderful saves.
Ampthill had few second-half openings but with Stotfold for a leveler the hosts continued to preserve their advantage with a display of hard work and they challenged for every loose ball until the end to secure a big win on the new champions.
Town will now be looking to build momentum from their last three games and will be looking for points to move up the table to challenge for a draw at home in the play-offs. They play their last two away games of the season this week, making the short trip to Bedford FC on Saturday before visiting Letchworth GC Eagles on Tuesday.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-18 15:15:55
