St Neots Town suffer fifth narrow league defeat at Long Eaton

St Neots Town’s recent run of tough league fixtures continued on Saturday as they fell 2-1 to Long Eaton, marking their fifth defeat in seven games – all by a single goal.

Despite missing four key players through injury, suspension, and departures, St Neots showed determination and competitiveness throughout the match. Defenders Charlie Bowen and Sam Willis were suspended, while Lewis Burgess was injured and Connor Furlong had recently left the club.

In response, manager Cameron Mawer introduced Eniola Agemoh-Davies, Magloire Muyembe, Jessi Obeng, and James Stainsby into the starting 11, with recent signing Nehemiah Richard-Noel named on the bench.

The first half was a tight, evenly contested affair. St Neots created an early chance when Harvey Williams broke past two defenders to find Stainsby, but his header was comfortably saved by home keeper Lewis King. Long Eaton responded with Evan Garnett forcing a near miss, and both teams were limited largely to midfield play. St Neots threatened again in the closing stages of the half, with Rhys Thorpe’s shot deflected for a corner and Kieran Barnes drawing another save from King.

The second half opened with a more attacking tempo. Long Eaton introduced Tristan Matthews, who quickly became involved in attacks, setting up Jahvan Davidson-Miller for two early chances. St Neots countered, with Williams and substitute Richard-Noel both going close, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute as Garnett finished neatly following Matthews’ assist.

St Neots pressed for an equaliser but Long Eaton struck again late through Dexter Walters on a swift counter, making it 2-0. In the closing minutes, St Neots managed a consolation goal. Thorpe delivered a precise long pass to Richard-Noel, who finished from close range, giving the visitors a late reward for their spirited performance.