Soham boss reflects on hapless Newmarket Town defeat

Jordan Chipps’ late strike proved a consolation in Soham’s 3-1 Eastern Counties Premier Division reverse to Newmarket Town on January 2, a contrast to the Greens’ Boxing Day success at Ely City.

Former Ely winger Jordan Foster’s 17th-minute effort from close range put the Jockeys in front at Julius Martin Lane, before goals from Ryan Cole and Lewis Whitehead reflected a dominant second half for the visitors.

GOAL! @SohamTownRanger 0-1 @NewmarketTownFC: A cross is drilled in from the right-hand side and Soham fail to clear. The ball then ricochets back in the home penalty box and Jordan Foster strikes into the top corner from close range. 17’ #greens

— Dan Mason (@DanMasonSport) January 2, 2023

“Everything came to fruition for them and that’s probably the most disappointing thing,” said Soham boss Lloyd Groves.

“It’s about mentality, character and a lack of leadership that undone us; Newmarket had those in abundance, and we had none of them.”

HT: @SohamTownRanger 0-1 @NewmarketTownFC: Jordan Foster’s close-range strike puts the Jockeys in front, as Soham have looked ever more likely to equalise as the half wore on. Gent’s header perhaps the closest Soham have come, as they look to rescue this derby. #greens

— Dan Mason (@DanMasonSport) January 2, 2023

Jordan Gent flicks a header wide of the target for Soham Town Rangers. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Soham gave a prominent role to latest signings in returning full-back Jesse Airen, on a dual registration from Yaxley and ex-Cambridge University Press midfielder Kieran Hayden, who replaced injured defender Lee Chaffey inside 11 minutes.

And it was Hayden, who played at centre-back for most of the game, that slipped inside his own penalty area to gift Cole a goal.

GOAL! @SohamTownRanger 0-2 @NewmarketTownFC: Kieran Hayden won’t want to see this again. He dwells on possession while under pressure inside his own penalty box. Ryan Cole nips in to steal the ball and slot under Iron into the net. Simple second for the Jockeys. 54’ #greens

— Dan Mason (@DanMasonSport) January 2, 2023

Groves admitted all of his second half substitutions, including himself, were enforced and not for tactical reasons, which may have played a key part in derby defeat.

“Kieran has trained a couple of times, thrown into a local derby and his brother plays for the other side, and I thought he gave a good account of himself,” said Groves.

“Each of our changes were made through injury, but from minute one to 95, Newmarket wanted it more than we did and that’s disappointing.”

A firm tackle flies in during the derby between Soham Town Rangers and Newmarket Town. (Image: Daniel Mason)

It is unclear when Chaffey, who picked up a possible shin injury, and Joe Carden who injured his ankle ligaments will be back.

But the Soham chief is hoping Sam Spencer, out due to suspension, Ed Watson and Jon Kaye will play at Kirkley & Pakefield on Saturday, 3pm.

“JK is our leader, everything we missed versus Newmarket and he’ll be a big addition,” Groves added.

“I’m disappointed to lose another local derby in the way we have, and my job now is to turn those fortunes around.”

FT: @SohamTownRanger 1-3 @NewmarketTownFC: It’s derby day delight for the Jockeys who impose themselves on this game after Jordan Foster’s opener. Two further goals did the damage against a Soham side who got on the scoreboard late on as Newmarket do the league double. #greens

— Dan Mason (@DanMasonSport) January 2, 2023

Lloyd Groves was disappointed in the manner his Soham Town Rangers team lost their derby match with Newmarket Town. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Soham Town Rangers: Finley Iron; Jesse Airen (sub Lloyd Groves, 58’), Jordan Chipps, Faris Rhaman, Lee Chaffey (sub Kieran Hayden, 11’), Jordan Gent (C), Kai Nicholls, Luke Brown, Ryan Sharman, Sam Mulready (sub Ryan Auger, 46’), Ollie Ward.

Unused subs: Niall Conroy, Dan Olive.

Referee: Dumitru Vasile.

Attendance: 318.