Soham’s sweet revenge

RIDGEONS LEAGUE, PREMIER DIVISION

Soham Town Rangers 3

Ipswich Wanderers 1

IN a dramatic final minute Ipswich were denied an equaliser by a superb Dean Greygoose save, before Michael Simpson sprinted 80-yards to score the decisive third goal.

Tommy Crawford came in to partner Simpson in the centre of midfield and had an excellent game, creating two goals.

Soham took the lead in the 12th minute when Crawford played a sublime through-ball for Charles Libam, who finished clinically from just inside the penalty area.

Ipswich equalised, 10 minutes before half-time, through Rene Swann who burst through two defenders before lifting the ball over Greygoose.

Simpson almost gave Soham the lead before the break but his header, after Crawford's corner, hit the post.

The second half was a hugely entertaining contest with both teams looking dangerous in attack and trying to assert control.

Libam restored Soham's lead with his second goal in the 69th minute when he chased on to Crawford's diagonal pass and finished confidently from a one-on-one situation.

Crawford was then replaced by Aaron Turner, making his debut after signing on loan from Bury Town.

Soham's defence had to stay strong and cope with some nervous moments as Ipswich searched for an equaliser, particularly in the final minute. Brett Claydon had to leave the field after colliding with the post after making a goal-line clearance and after Greygoose's stunning stop from the resulting corner, Soham broke quickly; Libam played it to Steve Bell who crossed to Simpson, who had just run the length of the field, and he took the ball around the goalkeeper before finishing off.

The win was sweet revenge over the team who had knocked Soham out of the FA Vase earlier in the season, but more importantly a crucial three points that keeps them within reach of the top three.