Pleasing draw for Scole United as injury limits team selection

It was a point apiece in the midtable Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division clash between Scole United and Blofield United.

Returning to league action after a slip week, Scole travelled to Blofield following two consecutive defeats.

But they were able to halt the losing run with a 1-1 draw – both goals coming from the penalty spot.

The team in seventh continue to miss a number of key players which meant call-ups for three reserves and 16-year-old former Scole United youth player Kyle Halil, playing in only his second game in adult football.

On a hard and bumpy pitch, the game was even-stevens without either side really dominating.

Scole tried to get the ball down and, on occasions, threatened through front four Joe Hooton, Tom Dade, Kieran Manning and Halil.

Blofield seemed more reliant on the long ball up to their tall strikers, but centre back pairing Lawrence Brown and Jimmy Dunkinson were coping and ‘keeper Kai Hewitt cleaning up anything that got through.

The interval came goalless and Scole had to withstand an onslaught from the home side for the opening 10 minutes of the second period penned in their own 18 yard box.

Scole hit back with some good counter attacking until, against the run of play, Blofield got a fortunate spot kick.

Brown upended a Blofield attacker who, just seconds before, had gotten away with clipping full back Joe Andrews.

So, with the injustice of going a goal behind, Scole rallied and, minutes later, Hooton went on a trademark mazy run taking on the entire defence and was only stopped by being fouled just inside the box.

Manning stepped up to convert the spot kick and equalize and the games was anyone’s.

Hooton had a good chance to win it and Brown came close with a near post header from a corner but it was end to end stuff.

The draw was probably the fair result and Scole were happy with the point and spirit shown in the face of such injury problems.

Lawrence Brown was selected by manager Alan Boulter as the Man of the Match for his quality and maturity at centre half.

He was also full of praise for Brendan Head at right back in his full debut in senior football, Kieran Manning for tireless work and running and Joe Hooton who scared Blofield witless every time he got the ball.

The side are next in action at home to Wymondham Town this Saturday (2.30pm).