City of Peterborough men strike late to win and the ladies hit the top after comfortable success
City of Peterborough claimed a dramatic last-gasp winning goal to maintain their perfect start to the National League season on Sunday.
City had just been reduced to 10 men by a yellow card with the Midlands Conference game at Banbury in the balance at 2-2 when player-coach Gareth Andrew teed up Jordan Heald for a winning goal.
Nathan Rozario had fired City into a 15th minute lead after dribbling past three players to find a shooting opportunity, but the hosts back with two quick goals of their own to take the lead.
Andrew was also involved in the City equaliser as his drag flick from a penalty corner was saved only for Josh Baker to tap home his first goal for the club and make it two wins from two games for his side.
City host bottom club Olton & West Warwicks at Bretton Gate next Sunday (2pm start).
City of Peterborough Ladies have also started the East Premier Division season in style and top the early table with seven points from three matches ahead of a home game with St Albans next Saturday (1pm). They beat Braintree 4-1 at Bretton Gate on Saturday.
City got off to a great start with a blistering Naomi Smith strike after just 53 seconds and Hannah Grimshaw then made it 2-0 after eight minutes. It was 3-0 10 minutes later as Lily Craven netted from a penalty corner.
The game then settled down and became a strong contest in the middle of the park. Tierney Carlton added a fourth goal for City – her fifth of the season – before Braintree replied.
Other City East League results
Men’s 2s lost to Cambridge City 2-3. Scorers: Josh Morley, Casey Henwood. Star player: Josh Morley.
Men's 3s beat Cambs South 2s 3-2. Scorers: Stuart Biggs, Jules Catto, Ed Hales. Star player: Nick Rooney.
Men’s 4s beat Cambs South 2-0. Scorer: Gary Hales (2). Star man: Josh Norey.
Men’s 5s drew with Cambs City 3-3. Scorers: Matt Carson-Doughty, Matt Wallace, Paul Hilsdon. Star player: Ned Pilsworth.
Men's 6s beat Cambs South 1-0. Scorer: Ed Walker. Star player: Dominic Remedios.
Men’s 7s beat Spalding 2-1. Scorers: Max Hawtin (3), Will Hawtin(2), Jonty Anderson. Star player: Harry Catto.
Men's 8s beat Ely City 2-1. Scorers: Maxwell Catto, Oliver Siddons. Star player: Toby Morris.
U14 Boys lost to Norwich City 1-4. Scorer Seb Mundell.
Women's 2s beat Cambs City 1-0. Scorer: Honor Moore. Star player: Honor Moore.
Women's 3s lost to St Neots 1-3. Scorer: Emily Jackson. Star player: Emily Jackson.
Women's 4s lost to Cambs Uni 0-5. Star player: Zara Montgomery.
Women's 5s lost to Pelicans 0-4. Star player: Ruby Ingram.
Women's 6s lost to Newmarket 0-3. Star player: Romily Sondu.
U14 Girls beat Harpenden 3-0. Scorers Yasmin Hawkins (2), Bailey Knoles.