Howden AFC v AFC Rovers

DEPLETED, YET UNDEFEATED
 
 
The MinsterMen managed to plug out a gutsy point away in East Hull on Saturday thanks to a late penalty from skipper Damien McMahon. Consecutive 2-2 draws see's Howden AFC still unbeaten after five, sitting second in the table.
  Injuries and late withdrawals hampered the travelling party, limiting them to 12 players, forcing manager Holt to name himself on the bench. With Dave McMahon as the only recognized striker, a tactical shuffle also ensued. 
 Luke Oldridge, Will Butterill both were drafted in following impressive displays for the Reserves last week and it was Oldridge who shone in the middle of the park, putting in a Man of the Match display. Adding stability to the side, allowing McArdle to play in a more advanced position.
  AFC Rovers started in a confident mood, free-scoring in the past they began to test Howden's defense. Yet the MinsterMen stood tall. Josh Jackson was quick off his line and swept up any route one ball the home side conjured up. The home side took the lead though with their tricky outlet out wide, who delivered a teasing cross, which was turned home following a goal mouth scramble on the half hour mark. 
 McArdle tried a cheeky effort from the resulting kick off which was well turned over for a corner. The MinsterMen showed their fitness in the latter stages of the half as they found time and space on the ball. Munday had the Rovers wide man's number and began to limit his effectiveness. 
 McArdle found himself the victim of a nasty heavy lunge, the Rovers man was lucky to stay on the field, receiving only a yellow. Howden's plugging away saw them grab the equalizer as man in form Rob Peterson pressed high up the field. The dynamic wide man stole the ball from the defender and hammered across goal into the top left corner from 16 yards, trademark Peterson. 
 McArdle couldn't make it out for the second half so Butteril entered the action in an unfamiliar midfield role. AFC Rovers found themselves in the lead inside ten minutes into the half. A spectacular half volley from twenty yards leaving Jackson no chance. Holt furious on the sidelines as a few players were debating a dubious throw-in decision. 
   Once again, the game to chase, the MinsterMen showed the character this season is acting as a 12th man. The visitors defended resolutely. McMahon, Gilmartin, Munday and Hutchinson were solid at the back and handled everything AFC Rovers had. Jackson saved the pot shots from outside of the area. It was going forward were Howden AFC struggled. 
   As in the first half, Rovers tired and the MinsterMen took advantage, probing and pressing high up the field. Peterson came close a couple of times, Douthwaite hit wide. The magic moment happened as Dave McMahon flicked on and Butteril was brought down from a trailing leg. Up stepped skipper Damien McMahon, cool as you like, sliding the ball into the bottom corner, salvaging a well deserved point. 
 "We had to rely on our spirit today. We'd been let down but the lads showed grit and determination to not give it up. It's a well deserved point". said Manager Holt. MoM went to Luke Oldridge who looked like he'd never been away from first team football.
 The MinsterMen travel to Pocklington Town in the league cup this week.