The Peacocks suffered their first home defeat of the season in the Evo-Stik League when they went down 3-1 to fellow promotion hopefuls Metropolitan Police yesterday afternoon (6th April). Town can have few complaints following a below par display to make it a successful first visit to the Viridor Stadium for the Blues to secure them the league double.
Ryan Brett and Josh Nelmes came close for Town in the early stages, but it was the visitors who grabbed the lead after 26 minutes, Jack Mazzone prodding home after Oliver Robinson’s long throw had not been properly cleared. More casual defending cost Town dear a minute later when Ethan Chislett pounced on a loose ball to lash in the Police’s second goal from the edge of the box.
The damage might have been even worse by half time had Jonathan Hippolyte not miscued a great chance over the bar from close range before the Peacocks hauled themselves back in the game two minutes into the second half through Rocky Neal who converted at the back post after Matt Wright had headed down a Lewis Hall cross. The Blues though were quick to dampen home hopes by adding a third after 54 minutes, an unmarked Mazzone netting with a header from Chislett’s corner.
After Matt Wright had had a goal disallowed for the hosts, the Police threatened to add to their lead with Blackmore curling a shot against the post and Oliver Knight and Chislett both being denied by goal line blocks. However there were no further goals as the visitors eased to a victory which leapfrogs them into second place over the Peacocks who will need much improved performances for the challenges ahead.
Following the defeat Head of Football Rob Dray commented, “I’m frustrated after our near perfect performance at Chesham. Our inability to defend two throw-ins essentially cost us. Credit to Met Police, they are in the top 3 for a reason and they made it difficult for us. We let ourselves down collectively but there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, we have a series of cup finals now which we need to win.”