Fletton put their title bid back on track
Rutland Rangers knocked out of the race for Premier Division glory: AFC Fletton put their stuttering Peterborough League Premier Division title challenge back on track by knocking one of their major rivals out of the race for glory.
Rutland Rangers knocked out of the race for Premier Division glory:
AFC Fletton put their stuttering Peterborough League Premier Division title challenge back on track by knocking one of their major rivals out of the race for glory.AFC Fletton put their stuttering Peterborough League Premier Division title challenge back on track by knocking one of their major rivals out of the race for glory.
A rip-roaring half-time rollicking and a super substitution from manager Ian Rudd were both major factors as Fletton finished up singing in the Woodlands rain following a 3-1 victory over Rutland Rangers on Saturday.
It was a result that left the losers resigned to a third-placed finish while Fletton go on to fight out the honours with current leaders Ramsey.
Rudd's lads had gone down to defeat in their previous two games and another reverse looked a distinct possibility in Saturday's contest as Michael Nelson swooped to put the visitors (who could only name a bare 11 players due to injury and unavailability) ahead early on.
Fletton also received a major let-off on the stroke of half-time when Jamie Saddington dispossessed defender Joe Duffy before dragging his shot wide.
And that convinced Rudd to let rip at the interval. He said: "I went mental at the lads for the first time all season.
"After losing our previous two games, I could see things slipping away from us and felt they needed a rollicking to get them going.
"Our confidence completely disappeared when Rutland scored and we were lucky not to be further behind.
"It was a must-win game for us and we were much better in the second half, but I don't think you can make us favourites. I don't like that tag at all."
The hairdryer treatment certainly did the trick. Stuart Eason levelled with a close-range header before Graham Morris completed the turnaround after a fierce Andrew Bradley shot had been parried by Rutland keeper Shane Hicks.
Substitute Danny Wilder - who arrived just before the goals began flowing - sealed the points with a high-class finish on the half-volley.
And Rutland boss Andy Saddington threw his weight behind Fletton's bid for the title.
He said: "I would definitely back Fletton from here. They have the experience and know-how and that's why I think they will end up champions.
"My lads battled, worked hard and gave a really good account of themselves, but Fletton were a bit too strong in the second half.
"We've still had an excellent season and have the PFA Senior Cup final to look forward to at London Road, but we know where we have gone wrong and that is by not having a big enough squad."
Ramsey maintained their four-point cushion at the summit with a 5-0 win against Parson Drove. Striker Steve Robson led the way by bagging a brace.
Fletton are still armed with two games in hand. The first of those comes tomorrow night when Whittlesey roll into their Castor base.
COATES' late charge for the Jaguar Division One title is really gathering pace.
Gary Munns' men have powered to within six points of long-time leaders Eye Sports as the race for a place in the Premier Division really hots up.
Paul Hibbins cracked a hat-trick as Coates won 5-0 at Thorney in midweek and the prolific frontman was on the mark again in a 2-0 Saturday success at Ketton.
Craig Crofts got the other goal in that triumph.
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Weather for Peterborough
Sunday 12 February 2012
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