Published:
6:47 PM January 29, 2022
Update:
6:56 PM January 29, 2022
Whittlesey Athletic captain Harry Jenkins believes a series of missed chances in a spirited second-half performance proved crucial against the title contenders.
Athletics improved a lot after half-time but failed to find the composure to prevent a 2-0 home loss to Harleston Town today (Saturday).
“We gave it our all and the boys are disappointed,” Jenkins said.
“I don’t think we took enough risks; many of them were half chances and Harleston saw the game well.
Lawrence Cheese headed Harleston ahead in the 38th minute, before an audacious own goal from youngster Alfie Fryett in second-half stoppage time added to Whittlesey’s misery.
After a windy first half, the hosts squandered chances to level thanks in particular to Jack Bates and Jenkins, who missed a late close range effort.
“For 90 minutes we gave our best and in the second half I think we were the better team,” Jenkins said.
“Whichever team scored first, they were going to sit down and make the other team work.
“They are the league leaders for a reason, but I think we gave a good image of ourselves.”
Athletic suffered their first home defeat in the Eastern Counties League (ECL) North Premier Division since August last year.
Ricky Hailstone’s side remain in the play-offs, having played the fewest games compared to the four teams above them.
They will look to get back on track with a win over FC Parson Drove at Feldale Field on February 5 at 3pm, which Jenkins knows will be tough.
“Knowing Parson Drove in the Peterborough League and in the ECL, they will be just as tough to beat as any other team in this league,” he said.
“As it’s a local derby, I’m sure it will be very competitive.
“We’ve been at this level for quite a long time and the play-offs have always been and still are our goal.
“We have games going on, players are coming back from injury and I think we’ll only get stronger as the season progresses.”
*Drove lost 2-1 in their home league clash against Leiston Reserves, while Wisbech St Mary earned a goalless draw at Great Yarmouth Town.
In the ECL Premier Division, a Jack Friend hat-trick helped March Town to a 4-1 win at Swaffham Town to go 10 league games unbeaten.
Next Saturday March will host Newmarket Town while Wisbech St Mary will be matchless.
Whittlesey Athletic: Aaron Bellairs; Ricky Hailstone, Ollie Long, Jake Pell, Alfie Fryett, Aaron Dunmore (under Dan Redhead, 65′), Ollie Gale, Harry Jenkins (C), Jack Carter, Ben Cowles, Jack Bates (under James Hill-Seekings, 88′) .
Unused substitutes: Lee Davison, Lewis Saunders.
Warnings: Whittlesey Athletic – Carter.
Man of the match: Ollie Gale.
Referee: Mr. Joseph Karram.
