The Saturday 1st XI failed in their attempt to bring the Centenary Cup to Pirton, when they lost 5-2 to Cranfield United Reserves at Shefford Sports Club. Cranfield started the stronger and were 2 goals up inside 15 minutes:  a shot from the edge of the box was well saved at the foot of the post but the ball squirmed away from the keeper and a Cranfield forward was able to squeeze the ball home. Minutes later a corner found its way into the Lea defence and was clipped in off the underside of the bar. Lea steadied the ship but before half time another Cranfield break down the left hand side saw the ball side-footed past the keeper to make the half-time score 3-0.

A few minutes after the break, Joe Hennem met a left-wing cross with his head to reduce the arrears. When Kian Devers broke through a few minutes later to smash the ball into the bottom corner, cries of 'Istanbul' could be heard from the supporters behind the goal. An equaliser came tantalisingly close as the Cranfield keeper just managed to stick out a boot to divert the ball wide. However, Cranfield exploited the gaps that started to appear as the lads pushed forward for an equaliser and two further breakaway goals sealed the tie.

 

 

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