Minotaurs continue fine pre-season form with a controversial draw against Albion

4th game into the pre season and Kempston Rural came up against their toughest opponents yet, Div 1 Bedford Albion.

With the sun shining down in Stewartby the game started well for Rural who looked to attack at every chance.

Things looked like it would go right for Kempston as a ball over the top bounced over the last defender and put Carl Pearson through 1v1 with the goalkeeper only to be ‘fouled’ outside the area. Referee had other thoughts in his mind and actually pointed to the spot!

Up steps.. nobody until finally Ross came walking from RWB up to take the penalty. Feeling sorry for the decision going against them he gracefully passed the ball back to their keeper.

Still 0-0 and Kempston have the majority of the possession. Another great bit of play sees Connor get past the full back and square it onto a plate for Ashley who poked it just wide of the goal.

It was starting to look like it wasn’t going to be their day as Carl superbly got past past two defenders with some quick feet forgot that he was supposed to shoot past the keeper and not run into the keeper, ball was cleared off the line for a throw in.

Bedford Albion had a rare attack when a deep cross from their full back evaded everyone in the box and looked destined to dip down underneath the cross bar. Cue the super cat Daniel’s in goal who didn’t have much to do until now, jumping to punch clear but could only end up punching the goalpost instead of the ball injuring himself in the process.

Still 0-0 and closing in on half time, Kempston Rural find themselves in attack! A deep ball to the back post was headed right back across goal.. and the keeper no-where in sight it falls to BENJAMIN WITH HIS RIGHT FOOT AND ITS A…. Goal kick. Wait.. what.. how.. Yes ladies & Gentlemen Ben Missed from no more than 4 yards out with the goal gaping!

Refs whistle blows to end a dominant first half for Rural.

Second half starts with a lot of changes from Kempston. Both teams trying to roll the ball around and break the deadlock lock. When a ball switched across to the Bedford Albion winger drives it across goal and is met by the other winger to tap in (That’s how you do it Ben) Kempston Rural 0-1 Bedford Albion.

But wait the flag is up! Referee goes over to consult with the Lino. Remembering what happened to the last referee that went against Albion he decides to give the goal still.

Kempston now need to work harder to get back into this game! Bedford Albions lead didn’t last long (although it was longer than the Cameo of former player Jhey on the other pitch)!

A ball over the top yet again caught the defender out and 7ft 2 Stick Insect Rhys dinks it over the oncoming keeper and levels this game. The crowd go wild ..Stewartby have never seen such scenes.

With only 20 minutes to go it looked like both teams wanted a win but didn’t want to lose. So with a few more changes for tired legs. A few pop shots here and there nothing that both keepers were too worried about and the ref blows for full time.

That leaves Kempston Rural still going strong in their pre-season tour of Stewartby playing fields with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.

Next up will be PRC Riverlite in August and I’m sure the boys will be looking to add to their wins!