Greens edge out table-toppers to boost play-off dream

Ryan Sharman (Image: Archant)

Soham boosted their play-off hopes on Tuesday night with a crucial win at league leaders VCD.

The Greens came into the game without a league win in six but picked the most unlikely time to bring that run to an end by defeating the title favourites on their own patch.

Recent signing Antonio Murray opened the scoring for Soham midway through the second half before top-goalscorer, Luke Stanley, sealedthe win with a few minutes left.

Victory moves Soham to within four points of the play-offs but, with only four games remaining, they are likely to need four wins to guarantee their place.

On Saturday, it was Ben Sawyer’s injury time goal that saw Soham end a run of five consecutive league defeats as they earned a 2-2 draw with Barkingside.

Soham were awarded a penalty shortly after the 30-minute mark as Luke Stanley was tripped inside the area and Buster Harradine made no mistake from the spot to give Soham the lead.

Stanley should arguably have put Soham further ahead just five minutes later but fired his shot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards with the goal gaping.

Barkingside were much livelier in the second half, keeping Enol Ordonez busy in the home goal, and they pulled level midway through the half when substitute Lewis Francis sent an overhead kick over the goalkeeper.

The visitors took the lead just 15 minutes from time when Chris Taylor was afforded time and space enough in the box to pick his spot.

Fallon immediately introduced Ben Sawyer into the mix and it was change that proved an astute one as, in the third minute of stoppage time, the lively midfielder collected a ball from deep, beat a defender and smashed home from close range.

Soham will be back in action again on Saturday when they host play-off rivals Thurrock at Julius Martin Lane. Kick off is 3.07pm – in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.