Match Report: Saints Edge Stamford in Rain-Soaked Friendly

St Neots Town FC made it four home pre-season wins from five with a narrow 1-0 victory over Stamford AFC — but it wasn’t your typical match.

The game started on the main pitch but had to be abandoned at half-time after relentless heavy rain left the surface waterlogged. Not wanting to waste the occasion, both teams agreed to play out the second half on the club’s 3G training pitch instead.

Before the weather interrupted things, the opening 45 minutes were closely contested. Both sides had chances, and both goalkeepers were kept busy with a string of sharp saves.

Harvey Williams stood out once again for the Saints. On 26 minutes, he breezed past the Stamford defender and delivered a low cross for Rhys Thorpe, who sent a glancing header just wide of the post.

At the other end, James Goff reacted quickly to deny Stamford a chance, diving at the feet of an onrushing forward. St Neots captain Robbie Parker played a clever ball through for Connor Furlong, but his route to goal ended in a collision with the visiting goalkeeper — earning him a yellow card.

Kieran Barnes had a good effort after linking well with Murphy Culkin, and just before the break, Barnes’ free kick was parried away, with Furlong narrowly missing the rebound.

With conditions improved but different, the second half on the artificial pitch saw both sides take time to find rhythm. As the match looked set to finish goalless, St Neots finally got the breakthrough. A shot from substitute Brandon Jessop took a heavy deflection off a Stamford defender and found the back of the net — enough to seal the win for the Saints.

Here’s SNTFC Manager Cameron Mawer after the 1-0 win over Stamford: