Goals dry up as Neots drop points

ST Neots Town’s home form dipped on Tuesday night when they could only draw 1-1 with Ashford Town at the Hunts Post Community Stadium.

After scoring 17 goals in their last three home games, the Southern League Division One Central side had plenty of chances to add further goals to their season’s tally of 45, but only striker Stefan Moore could find the net in a game of many missed chances.

Rene Steer headed a Lewis Hilliard cross wide, Ashford goalkeeper Paul McCarthy saved well from Hilliard, and Chris Hope had a shot blocked on the line before Moore’s goal came on 28 minutes when he guided the ball into the net from a Dan Jacob cross.

With St Neots in total control, Junior Konadu and defender Hope had further chances in the first half and the referee also turned down their appeals for a penalty after Shane Tolley had been hauled down in the box.

But within 60 seconds of the restart, the game was turned on its head when Saints goalkeeper Michael Duggan’s careless throw-out was intercepted by Jack Mullan who set up Dan Brown for his cool finish.

Pietro Palladino shot wide and had another chance saved by Duggan as Ashford rallied in the second half – but St Neots did have one great chance, substitute Pearson Mwanyongo hitting the post before Brown forced another save from the Saints goalkeeper late on.

In this week’s Hunts Post, following Saturday’s excellent 6-0 win over Marlow, Saints manager Dennis Greene said: “At home we don’t have a problem, but away, yes, I might try something different next time.”

Next time is Tuesday, January 13, when his team visit Daventry Town.