Peterborough and District Football League round-up
The clash between the third and fourth-placed teams in Division Two of the Peterborough League ended in a goalless stalemate as Bourne Town Reserves shared the spoils with Park Farms Pumas on Saturday.
Earlier in the season, the young Wakes lost narrowly 1-0 in the reverse fixture so, based on that meeting and the league positions, there wasn't going to be much between the teams.
With four Under 18s making their league debuts for the Wakes, this made the encounter even more intriguing.
In the opening exchanges, it was the home team who had the most possession without having the cutting edge in the final third.
Under 18 centre backs Archie Waterland and Sam Fuller marshalled the defence very well, with the experience of Dan Henson and Mike Hasler ably supporting.
Goalkeeper Ben Asplin was at his best, superbly tipping over the bar an outstanding long range Park Farm effort.
Huge credit to the lads for their hard work all game but composure and creativity was missing in the attacking third.
From a handball in the box, there was an opportunity for Bourne to take the initiative before the break but Hasler's penalty went wide of the goal.
At half-time, Ryan Baxter, James Ferrow and Saxon Humberstone were introduced with the hope this would improve the creativity and goalscoring opportunities.
Ferrow had a shot that deflected off a defender just tipping the bar and going over.
From the resultant Matt Bills corner, Waterland's goal bound header was saved and on a separate occasion again went close.
In between, Alfie Ball - the fourth Under 18 making his debut on the day - was introduced at left back replacing Henson.
For 25 minutes, he tackled and used the ball effectively making the change seamless while providing positive output in the attacking third and good defensive cover.
The final half chance fell to Humberstone who with confidence shot wide of the goal.
It was certainly a game where the defensive displays of both teams won the day and they each can be happy with a point.
From a Wakes perspective, there were numerous positives on the day including the four Under 18 lads who settled very well into the set-up.
Also huge credit to the rest of the team who worked tirelessly all game supporting superbly the young debutants.
Being unbeaten in the league since Christmas with no goals conceded is also again huge credit to the squad.
Victory over one of their title rivals has given Wittering control of the race for glory in Division Three.
They defeated South Lincs Swifts at the weekend to move 10 points clear of their fourth-placed hosts who have a game in hand on the league leaders.
Spencer Haskins hit two of the goals for the table-toppers with Ben Roberts also on target.
Second-placed Stamford AFC Reserves are just three points adrift of the leaders but have played three games more.
They were 7-1 away winners at Long Sutton Reserves on Saturday with Tanaka Govha and Adam Steels both scoring hat-tricks for the Daniels.
Grant McClean was another three-goal marksman as King's Cliffe overturned a two-goal half-time deficit to run out 5-2 winners at Leverington A.
Owen Dalliday and Mitchell Johnson were also on target in a strong second half showing from the Hedgehogs.
Uppingham Town Reserves won by the same margin against Moulton Harrox Reserves at Tod's Piece.
Sam Blackwell bagged a brace for Town with Alex Barnett, Sam Eldridge and Edward Riddell also netting.
Elsea Park Eagles were 3-1 away winners at Whaplode Drove Rovers Reserves thanks to goals from Matthew Dale, Ryan Mills and Reece Precious.
Deeping Rangers Reserves played out a goalless stalemate in their top flight clash at Warboys Town.
League leaders Uppingham Town were without a game which saw Crowland close the gap after victory over second-placed Stanground Cardea Sports.
The Bees are now seven points adrift of the Rutland side with five games in hand. The two sides also have to still play each other twice before the end of the season.
Stamford Bels wrapped up the Division One title last weekend and they continued their unbeaten campaign with a 4-0 away win at Whittlesey Development on Saturday.
Louie Roberts scored twice for the champions with Harrison Mcloughlin and Jordan Neil also netting.
Stamford Lions Reserves were 4-2 away winners at Wittering Reserves in Division Four with Tom Reynolds scoring both of the goals for the hosts.
Seb Mills and Ashton Pycroft netted for Ketton Sports Black in their 9-2 home loss to title-chasing ICA Sports.
Glinton and Northborough Reserves were 3-1 home winners over Hampton Rangers thanks to goals from Owen Nazaruk-Wheeler, Joe Walsham and Adrian Tilley.
