Despite not picking up three points, Street produced arguably one of their best performances of the season to draw 2-2 away at Moneyfields. That point moved Moneyfields to the top of the table on goal difference and played their part in an highly entertaining Southern League encounter. An afternoon down pour had put the game into some doubt after leaving the pitch saturated but it passed a late pitch inspection and credit to the home ground staff for getting the game on.
It took a while to adapt to the conditions, but the intent was clear from both teams to get on the front foot. A quite brilliant strike opened the scoring for Moneyfields after 20 minutes, a direct free kick from Connor Bailey 10 yards inside his own half was put into the top corner! A stunned Street reacted very well with close range efforts from Oscar Latas and Jamie Short with Dave O’Hare also trying his luck from distance. On the stroke of half time it was Short again who found space on the right hand side and his fierce effort was brilliantly saved to keep the half time score at 1-0.
The dominant second half performance from Street was some of the best football the Cobblers have played this season and could have easily equalised before the hour mark. A cross shot from Josh Bennett was expertly tipped over with the keeper scrambling back towards his goal and the hard working Aidan Chainey then fizzed an effort just wide. Neat interchange from Matt Hurley and Dave O’Hare gave striker George King the next opportunity but he couldn’t quite get his effort on target.
Street were continuing their surge on the Moneyfields goal, and finally got a deserved equaliser when Short, whose direct running was causing problems all evening won a free kick 25 yards from goal. Up stepped skipper for the evening O'Hare who fired the free kick up and over the wall and into the top corner, a fine strike!
Full backs Lewis Waldy and Bennett were pushed high up the pitch and seeing plenty of the ball as Street continued to attack at every opportunity. Not long after Ed Butcher and Short had shots off target it was Moneyfields against the run of play who were awarded a penalty with twelve minutes to go which Steve Hutch calmly dispatched.
Street to their credit didn't let their heads drop and a few minutes after falling behind they were back on level terms when a superb corner whipped in by Butcher allowed Ross McErlain to rise highest and plant his header into the net. Street were still looking dangerous with minutes to go just and after Short had a half chance it was Harry Foster who latched on to a through ball after cleverly bending his run in behind and pulled the ball back to the on rushing O'Hare but his effort was off target. Moneyfields then hit the Cobblers on the break but Liam Kingston in the Street goal, who was largely untroubled all evening, came out well to smother the shot and Street cleared their lines.
A great game ended with both teams claiming a point. Thank you to Moneyfields who looked after our small band of supporters very well with tea and biscuits!
Next up for the Cobblers is a home game against Mangotsfield on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
Man of the match Dave O'Hare congratulated by team physio Anthony Cornish. Well done 'Chin'!