Ketton Res. 2 – 4 Baston
Baston looked to bounce back following last week’s Cup Semi-Final defeat, and named a strong side as they plan to keep the pressure up on their promotion rivals.
Ketton made a bright start, and dominated the early exchanges, without making a breakthrough due to the resilience of the Baston back four and goalkeeper. Baston’s first chance fell to Scott Waters who volleyed wide from the edge of the area. Baston took the lead against the run of play after 25 minutes. Greg Rawlinson’s run and early low cross was missed horribly at the back post by Mantas Buivydas, but hit the unfortunate full back and rolled into the net for 1-0.
Baston could have doubled their lead just before half-time as a pinpoint Liam Davies pass found Craig Bullivant, but despite the keeper being off his line, Bullivant couldn’t quite hit the target and Baston went in at half-time 1-0 up.
Baston started much better in the second half, but a lapse in defence proved costly as keeper Rob Clarke couldn’t quite cling on to a corner and the ball hit James Markham on the back of the head and flew into the roof of the net, for the game’s second own goal.
Baston didn’t slack off though and were soon back in front. Greg Rawlinson producing a bit of magic as he cut in from the right and curled the ball past the keeper into the far corner for 2-1.
Baston now looked like much the better side and could have scored a third, but for some brilliant defending during a goalmouth scramble, and an apparent handball in the wall from a Steve Clay free-kick. Baston paid for not taking their chances as Ketton equalised with 20 minutes left, with their unmarked striker nodding home a corner at the near post.
With just ten minutes left, Baston re-took the lead. Sub Zikevicius won a corner following a good bit of skill on the right wing. Scott Waters took the kick and found Ben Hudson who powered home his header to make it 3-2. Baston defended resolutely for the last few minutes, with Davies and Poderis excellent at the back. A clever bit of skill from Steve Clay on the left, led to Craig Bullivant laying the ball off for Greg Rawlinson who beat his man and then scored with a deft outside of the boot finish to give Baston the 3 points.
Baston host promotion rivals Coates next Saturday (3rd March)
Man of the match: Ben Hudson
Baston: Rob Clarke, James Markham, Justas Poderis, Liam Davies, Jacob Parkin (Ryan Jones), Mantas Buivydas (Ramunas Zikevicius), Scott Waters, Ben Hudson (c), Steve Clay, Greg Rawlinson, Craig Bullivant.
