Saffron Walden Town FC 2 - Histon FC 2

Saffron Walden led twice in the eagerly awaited league match against Histon. The Bloods previous game was a 5-1 defeat against Gorleston, which meant improvement was needed from Stuart Wardley’s men.

It was and entertaining game at Catons Lane ended all square as Histon came from behind twice through Tommy Wright and Evan Key to secure a share of the points and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The Bloods s started brightly and were ahead with 8 minutes on the clock, Spike Bell’s cross from the right found Oliver Emsden free in the box to head past Ayden Duffy.

Histon started to find their feet and make an impact on the game. With just over 20 minutes gone the equaliser came. Will Lawton lifted a ball from deep into the box where it wasn’t cleared, the loose ball sitting up nicely for Tommy Wright who sent a thumping volley past Neil
O’Sullivan into the corner to level the scores.

On the half hour mark a nice move down the left ended with Danny Gould’s low cross being met by James Carman, who found the net but the linesman’s flag was up and it was ruled out for offside. The impressive James Crane nearly took full advantage of Histon’s defensive hesitancy soon after but his shot beat the far post whilst Tommy Wright, foraging down the right at pace pulled a low ball back for Evan Key to hit first time but O’Sullivan was equal to it in the Walden goal.

With half time approaching, Crane again came close to restoring the home side’s lead when getting on the end of a Ronnie Ledwith cross whilst at the other end, O’Sullivan spilled a high ball that George Darling headed goal wards where it was headed clear off the line.

HT: Saffron Walden 1 – Histon FC 1

Walden started the second half brightly and Crane, again causing problems, advanced quickly down the right before sending over an excellent cross that Emsden headed wide. Meanwhile, Danny Gould threatened for Histon, cutting inside a defender before sending a powerful shot just over O’Sullivan’s bar.

Both teams continued to look for every attacking opportunity but it wasn’t until the last ten minutes that a breakthrough was made when Charlie Portway turned sharply in the area and sent a shot past Duffy into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.

Histon weren’t done yet though and went looking for an immediate response, and four minutes later had levelled the scores again. Joe Sutton skilfully made himself space in the area before chipping the ball left footed up for Evan Key to head home

When the final whistle came the points were rightfully shared

FT: Saffron Walden Town FC 2 - Histon FC 2

Bloods MOTM went to James Crane

Saffron Walden Town: Neil O'Sullivan, Spike Bell, Ronnie Ledwith, Jacob Noble, James Ferguson, Ryan Fleming, Julian Simon-Parson (Connor Molly 77), Oliver Emsden, Graeme Turner (Thomas Lakin 70), Charlie Portway, James Crane.

Saffron Walden Town subs not used: Mason Naylor, Ashley Skeggs, Flynn Tarman.

Saffron Walden Town yellow cards: None.

Saffron Walden Town goal scorers: Oliver Emsden (8), Charlie Portway (81).

Attendance 262

Match report written by Histon