BUNTINGFORD 2 (R Lawrence, A Thomas) LANGFORD 3 (D Drury, A Pitcairn, C Albon) A MAKESHIFT Town side produced a good performance despite losing to Spartan South Midlands League side Langford, on Saturday. With several players still in Denmark with Town s

BUNTINGFORD 2

(R Lawrence, A Thomas)

LANGFORD 3

(D Drury, A Pitcairn, C Albon)

A MAKESHIFT Town side produced a good performance despite losing to Spartan South Midlands League side Langford, on Saturday.

With several players still in Denmark with Town's successful youth side and others on holiday, stand-in manager Luke Capon fielded just two recognised first team players in his 14-man squad.

Things did not look good for the home side in the 11th minute when a harsh penalty was awarded against Callum Simpson for a push in the box, and Dave Drury sent Town keeper Damian Williamson the wrong way from the spot.

However, they were back on level terms when a long-range effort from Ricky Lawrence sailed over Jamie Campbell in the visitors' goal.

Lawrence turned provider as Town grabbed the lead in the 54th minute, with Alex Thomas nodding home his cross after the keeper had failed to catch it.

That lead lasted just four minutes before Adam Pitcairn was left unmarked at the far post to head home a cross from the right.

The visitors scored the winning goal 20 minutes from time when Carl Albon lobbed Williamson.

There was still time for Lawrence to be sent off for arguing with the referee, but even with 10 men the home side had enough of the play to be disappointed they did not take a share of the spoils.

St Ives Town 1

Buntingford Town 2

TOWN'S preparations for the new season continued with a victory at United Counties Premier Division side St Ives Town, on Tuesday.

The game was entertaining on a bare, bobbly surface, with both teams showing a lot of commitment on the difficult pitch.

The hosts had plenty of the ball in the first half without ever threatening Damion Williamson in the visiting goal, with former Royston Town defender Chris Hardy marshalling Town's defensive organisation effectively.

The best chance of the first half fell to Buntingford when Gary Christie pounced on some defensive hesitation, but despite being clear on goal he was only able to lob over the keeper and the crossbar from 12 yards.

St Ives took the lead just before the interval when a forward swivelled on the edge of the area and hooked a fine effort over Williamson.

Buntingford changed personnel and formation at half-time and gradually took a firm grip.

The home side's rhythm began to be affected by Buntingford's more intense approach and the hosts were again able to breach a determined back line.

Mark Smith and Chris Wisson began controlling the centre of midfield battles and the game swung in Buntingford's favour in the last 10 minutes with two goals from youth players.

New signing Conor De Lacy levelled after 80 minutes when he followed up a rebound off the keeper to convert from six yards.

With just three minutes left, Luke Robins broke the offside trap to smash a 12-yard strike inside the keeper's near post to give the Buntingford squad a morale-boosting victory.

- Town return to action on Saturday with a home game against Haringey Borough before travelling to Cottenham United on Tuesday.

- Buntingford's youth side resume training at 11am on Sunday, at Buntingford Community Centre. Further details from Paul Attfield on 07926 522205.