Charlie is the darling

Steeple Morden 4 Eaton Socon A 1 STEEPLE Morden continued their recent run of good form, with inspirational skipper Charlie Prothero completing a rare scoring double in his side s comfortable victory. However, it was the visitors, fighting for their BIS

Steeple Morden 4 Eaton Socon A 1

STEEPLE Morden continued their recent run of good form, with inspirational skipper Charlie Prothero completing a rare scoring double in his side's comfortable victory.

However, it was the visitors, fighting for their BIS League Division 3A survival, that started the brightest, and took a surprise lead after 10 minutes.

After absorbing the early pressure, Steeple started to attack with intent, and Ben Holt volleyed narrowly over from a flick-on by Lawrence Harrison.

Dom Holt was then cleverly put in the clear by strike partner Martyn Lees, but the Socon keeper made a fine save.

An equalizer came moments later though, when Prothero volleyed home following a scrambled Socon clearance.

Ten minutes later, youngster Max Carlton found Dom Holt, who turned neatly and picked out his brother Ben, who cut inside and drilled a shot into the bottom corner for his 20th goal of the season - a feat he has achieved for the third consecutive season.

It should have been 3-1 at the interval, but Martyn Lees' finish was controversially ruled out for offside.

The second half belonged to Steeple, who dominated for long periods without finding the crucial third goal, with Ben Holt hitting the bar, and Harrison seeing his effort cleared off the line.

Then with 20 minutes to go, Dom Holt hit a superb crossfield pass, which Jason Clark instantly controlled before stroking the ball past the visiting keeper, despite the attention of two Socon defenders.

The Steeple goal was rarely threatened and the defence held firm, with Harrison dominant in the air, and young Martin Donald making a number of key interceptions.

Prothero sealed a convincing victory with minutes left, when he blasted home from close range following another corner.

Manager Kenny Watters said: "We showed that we deserve our place in the top six today.

"The conditions were difficult in the first half, but we competed well and eventually they could not cope with our attacking options.

"Our wide men caused numerous problems, but for his energy and goals Charlie Prothero was my man-of-the-match."

Steeple Morden: Smith; Carlton, Donald, Harrison, M Holt; B Holt, Murphy, Prothero, Clark; D Holt, Lees. (Subs): Collins, Hutley, Parr.