Football - Daniel proves he's a muddy marvel

Hundon Res 1Saffron Crocus Res 2 A COOL finish after 57 minutes from Daniel Rowlandson saw Crocus claim all the points in this hard-fought victory, on a mud bath of a pitch at Hundon Recreation Ground. With the Crocus reduced to 10 men with 30 minutes remaining, they pulled together resolutely to battle on and, despite their numerical disadvantage, could have increased their goal tally. After the break, Crocus where looking to build on their recent good form with another team performance against a Hundon side two places above them in the table. For this first game of 2006, Crocus had Wayne Brundell back in goal, along with Nick Sargent at left back. With the game having the luxury of professional Football League referee Mr G Lewis officiating, the game kicked off and it was not long before the pitch started to cut up. Both teams started well but Crocus soon got into their stride. After 19 minutes, a great run through the middle from Daniel saw him lay on an inch-perfect ball to Alec Barnfarther, who guided the ball into the net. Crocus kept plugging way looking for the second, but a Hundon break away just before half-time saw them equalise after a goalmouth scramble in the clinging mud. Despite this set back Crocus came out positively second half and it was not long before they where celebrating as skipper Steve Smith laid a great ball on for Daniel who placed the ball from 15 yards in to the bottom left hand corner of the net with the Hundon defence all at sea trying to play offside. However disaster struck for the visitors on the hour mark as front man Barnfarther was unlucky to be dismissed after a second yellow card. The 10 man Crocus performed and battle well till the final whistle, and despite a rear guard action in the closing quarter, they still had the endeavour to make raids on the Hundon goal. This good victory that now moves them up to 10th place, should put them in good stead as they travel to local rivals Linton Granta on Saturday with a 2pm kick off.