League Cup
Preliminary Round

Thrapston Town  1    Blackstones  0

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Thrapston's best results have come in cup football this season and they overcame high riding Blackstones at Chancery Lane to make Knockout Cup progress.

It was an outcome which looked unlikely early on as Stones dominated proceedings.

The visitors almost took an early lead as Danny Barker's shot forced Chris Jones into a full length save and the home keeper was then well placed to save Luke Hunnings' header from the resulting corner.

Barker, Ben Porter and Pete Smith all went close for the visitors while Thrapston's only noteworthy effort of the first half was a Jamie Russell free kick deflected to safety.

Thrapston took a 53rd minute lead when Stones gave away possession cheaply from a goal kick and Russell crossed from the left for Cavell Jarbis to control and slot home. 

A good spell for the home side saw Michael Cirelli head across goal and Chris Caswell latch onto a long ball and round Stones keeper Lee Crockett only to lose his balance.

The closing stages were end to end with Jones saving Liam Buttery's near post flick and a strong run by Russell ending with a Crockett save.

Jones preserved his side's advantage saving with his legs after Barker played Buttery clear, while at the other end Crockett thwarted Russell who took a return pass from Jarvis.

Barker's snap shot in added time sailed over the home crossbar as Stones' last chance went begging.

Thrapston: Chris Jones, Liam Carter, Michael Duroe, Stuart Goosey (Jim Le Masurier), Lee Gotch, Adam Randall, Deven Ellwood, Jamie Russell, Chris Caswell (Conor Durkin), Michael Cirelli (Joe Chubb), Cavell Jarvis.

Blackstones: Lee Crockett, Tim Quy, Tom Davies (Andy Ellis), Matt Porter, Luke Hunnings, Andy Boome, Luke Avis (Andy Buckle), Pete Smith (Richard Thompson), Liam Buttery, Danny Barker, Ben Porter.