Andy Boyd

ANDY Boyd admits his Walden side will need to take maximum points in their remaining fixtures this season if they are to gain back-to-back promotions.

Walden, promoted into division one this season, came up against the league’s best team in Cambridge City on Saturday and, for 50 minutes at least, were more than a match for their opponents.

They led 2-0 and were playing some good hockey before City came storming back to win 3-2.

The defeat leaves Walden in fourth place in the division, well behind leaders City, as well as Felixstowe and St Ives in second and third respectively.

While Saturday’s match was a setback, skipper Boyd insisted that there was still much to play for.

“If we are being realistic we’re not going to catch City, so we’re going for second spot,” he told the Reporter.

“We’ve probably got to win every game between now and the end of the season, and can’t afford to drop any more points.

“We have still got St Ives and Felixstowe to play. If we can beat them I think we are still in with a big shout of promotion.”

Walden put in a vastly improved performance against City than when the two sides met in the return fixture in October – then, City ran out comfortable 7-2 winners.

On this occasion Walden took the initiative with Matt Wells scoring twice, both from short corners to put them into the lead.

City hit back wiht a goal before the break before snatching all three points with two late short corner strikes.

“It was frustrating to lose but I could not fault the effort and work rate,” said Boyd.

“We were really good for 50 minutes but it was hard to keep it going for the full 70.

“I think we deserved at least a draw and it is encouraging that we showed we can mix it with the best team we’ve come across this season.”

Walden host Harpenden on Saturday at Newport, 1.30pm start.