Cambridge University Press 4 – 0 Halstead Town
Ridgeon League One

HALSTEAD TOWN suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign so far, going down to high-flying new boys Cambridge University Press in an incident filled afternoon at The Cass Ground.

Kick-off was delayed 15minutes due to the officials getting caught in traffic, but once underway, both sides stated their intentions.

Early on, Town keeper Ed Wootten saved well from Press midfielder Gerald Molloy and minutes later, forward Jordan McDermott was through on goal, only to be thwarted by Tom Devaux.

Halstead almost took the lead after Press keeper Joseph Egan's clearance rebounded off a defender and rolled inches wide of the post. Soon after, Lewis Cunliffe headed just over.

Then, Wootten made another fine save from Press wing-man Ali Hakemi. At the other end, Ryan Sutton shot into the side netting and moments later, was through on goal only to see his shot well saved.

The deadlock was broken on 36minutes after Wootten could only parry a rasping shot for a corner, from which Hakemi rose to put Press 1-0 up.

More drama came on half-time when referee assessor, Bob Spiller collapsed on the touchline and was taken to hospital.

In the second half, Press took the initiative going 2-0 up after a ball split the Town defence on 63 minutes for McDermott to slot home. But Halstead’s spirit didn’t fade and they came close to pulling one back when Devaux’s header went just wide.

But in their search to get back into the game, they started to leave holes at the back. Wootten made a string of fine saves, but on 70 minutes, could do nothing about a 25-yarder from Molloy that soared into the top of the net for 3-0.

Town still pressed, Jack Smith shooting over and Sutton had a shot well-saved, but Press exposed the defence one more time after a move down the right found McDermott alone to tap home.

Halstead now have to rally themselves for Tuesday night’s home encounter with Hullbridge Sports in the Essex Senior Cup.

Halstead: Wootten, Smith (Josh Palmer 75m), Hunt, Devaux (Jordan Palmer 76m), Cunliffe, Sutton (booked), Hurkitt (booked), Joslin, Pirie (Smith 76m), Saunders, Lee (booked).

Cambridge: Egan, Wareham, Dixon, Upcut, Craig Patterson, Watson(booked, Lambert 75m), Molloy, Hakemi, Blandford(Maskell 72m), McDermott, Repizani.
Subs not used: Cliff, Whitehead, Scott Patterson.

*Halstead reserves played out a 2-2 draw with Brantham reserves at Rosemary Lane.

Robert Armstrong