Yaxley’s ‘high quality’ squad take on the league leaders, FA Cup action for Peterborough Sports and Stamford AFC

The Cuckoos have made a slow start to their Southern League Central Division One campaign as a heavy defeat at title favourites Halesowen was followed last weekend (September 26) by a home draw with St Neots .

That point was both good and bad as Yaxley goalkeeper Aaron Butcher was sent off in the fourth minute for handling the ball outside his area and replaced by midfielder Joel Earps, but Furnell’s men also led 2-0 before they were pegged back.

Young centre-back Bradley Gothard fired Yaxley in front in the third minute with his first touch of the ball this season before recent recruit Jordan Macleod made it 2-0.

“If you told me before the game we’d play 90 minutes with 10 men I’d have been happy with a point,” Furnell said. “But there was a slight sense of disappointment to draw after being 2-0 up.

“I expected to win this game, but the lads put in a great shift and Joel did a great job in goal. St Neots are a very young side, but they keep the ball well. They have a lot of Cambridge United Academy players and Cambridge development coach Barry Corr played at the back and was outstanding.

“Jordan Macleod will be a top signing for us and just adds to the quality we already had.

“We have top players to come back like Liam Hook, Dan Cotton, JP Duncliffe, Cameron Gow and Frazer Garner. There’s a lot of quality in the squad this season and it’s up to me to make it all work.”

Yaxley host surprise early-season leaders Didcot at the Decker Bus Stadium tomorrow (October 3, 3pm) when Hook will return after completing a two-match ban carried over from the abandoned 2019-20 season.

Former Posh youngster Gow is also expected to make his first appearance of the season for a Yaxley side who were making a strong run at the play-offs when last season was abandoned. Stalwart striker Cotton is also expected to play.

“Didcot have surprised me, although it is early days,” Furnell added. “They beat Thame last weekend who are a good side so it’s a tough game for us.

“Halesowen looked a class act when we played there, but there isn’t a lot to worry about otherwise.”

Peterborough Sports (home to Stansted, 3pm) and Stamford AFC (away to Royston) are in second qualifying round FA Cup action tomorrow hoping to make up for disappointing midweek results in the league.

Sports should beat lower level Stansted, but Stamford’s tie is a tough one at a team who play in a higher division.

There’s over £3,300 in prize money to the winners of the FA Cup ties.

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 3

FA CUP

Second qualifying round: Peterborough Sports v Stansted, Royston Town v Stamford AFC>

Southern League

Division One Central: Yaxley v Didcot.

NORTHern Premier League

South East Division: Market Drayton v Spalding, Wisbech v Newcastle Town.

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Cogenhoe v Peterborough Northern Star, Deeping v Leicester Nirvana, Desborough v Holbeach, Pinchbeck v Quorn.

Division One: Blackstones v St Andrews, Bourne v Birstall, Sileby v Whittlesey.

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One North: March v Mulbarton.