Street picked up another 3 points and their 12th win on the bounce to move 9 points clear at the top of the Western League Premier Division. A combination of a heavy pitch and a committed performance from bottom of the table Longwell Green made it tough going for the Cobblers who eventually ran out 3-1 winners.
Street made a decent start and after 2 minutes great wing play by Jake Mawford saw his ball into the box dummied by Steve Murray with Dave O’Hare lashing it just over the bar. The game got quite scrappy with Longwell Green making it hard for Street to get going with a series of strong tackles. On 22 minutes the deadlock was broken when Aidan Chainey stole the ball in the midfield and fed the ball to O’Hare who slipped in Craig Herrod to finish superbly from the edge of the box. The hosts were having their moments in the game and got back on level terms just after the goal when the striker found time in the box to fire past Tom Punchard in the Street goal. Street were back in front just before half time with Herrod again on the score sheet when he beat his man brilliantly inside the box and angled a superb shot into the bottom corner.
Street were looking to gain that two goal cushion and it came 5 minutes after the restart when a quality break and right wing cross from Josh Bennett saw O’Hare get across his man at the near post to head past the keeper. The introduction of Matt Hurley allowed Street to start controlling possession, without creating those clear cut opportunities. Murray, Harry Foster and Herrod all had efforts blocked after the hour mark with the hosts manfully throwing bodies in the way. On the stroke of full time a delightful chip by Mawford from just inside the box clipped top of the bar as the game finished 3-1.
A strong away support went home happy as the Cobblers left with all 3 points. Nine year old Max Court congratulating Craig Herrod on his man of the match award!
UP THE COBBS!