Fightback earns Yaxham FC a point

Methwold Rov 3, Yaxham 3

Yaxham fought back from a two-goal deficit to claim a point at Methwold in Central & South Norfolk League Division Two.

With key players Whitty and Foster missing, and also the loss of two other players, manager Jon Barnes called up Charlie Gray and Stevie Garner from the reserves.

Straight from the start it was evident that Yaxham were the footballing side, playing the ball between players confidently, while the opposition relied on a more direct approach.

For all their possession, Yaxham just couldn't find the breakthrough, with Jason Knight having a frustrating game in front of goal, while Clarke also went close with no reward.

Yaxham went into the break trailing by a single goal and Methwold scored again five minutes into the second half.

After losing Hulme to a thigh injury, Barnes brought himself on, re-shuffling the team, and soon after Danny Rae clawed a goal back.

Yaxham continued to press, but were caught out again at the back and found themselves 3-1 down.

The visitors, however, refused to admit defeat and Clarke started to pull the strings and dictate play. From a delightful through ball, Knight lobbed the keeper to bring it back to 3-2.

The equaliser came soon after, following another Clarke assist – this time an accurate free-kick onto the foot of Chrissy Broughton, who slotted his second of the campaign.

Pressing for the winner, Barnes went close, but a lack of pace, much to the amusement of his players prevented him from scoring.

Yaxham remain fourth, with four games in hand on the two sides directly above them and Barnes was pleased with the result, saying: 'It was a much improved team performance, with no arguing, full commitment and togetherness which can set the tone for the remainder of the season.'