In the final match of 2006 Crusaders were looking to build on their spirited Cup performance the previous week, but instead turned in a lacklustre display and went down 8-3 to an improving Needingworth Colts side.

With Crusaders missing a regular goalkeeper, Teddy stepped forward to fill the breach and managed to make several good stops in the game. Indeed, it was apparent from the first whistle that Needingworth were keen to avenge their defeat in the opening game of the season, and the Crusaders goal was immediately under pressure with Teddy twice running out to kick clear. Huw and James also made good clearances, but Crusaders had their first taste of things to come when a Needingworth corner was whipped in and rebounded over the goal line off a Crusaders body to put the visitors ahead.

Crusaders needed to stem the tide quickly, and Alex and Charlie worked hard in midfield to keep Crusaders afloat with SamH also putting in strong work at the back. Despite this endeavour Crusaders soon found themselves two down when the defence stood off, allowing a well hit cross to be flicked in at the near post. The pendulum then began to swing back and forth as both sides looked to capitalise on each other’s mistakes. First Joe won a loose ball on the edge of the centre circle before sweeping wide to Callum, who crossed dangerously for Charlie to poke the ball in and halve the deficit. With CT on for Huw Crusaders were looking to equalise, but instead a Needingworth breakaway was aided by another defensive lapse and the fortunate attacker gave Teddy no chance from close in.

The 1-3 scoreline looked ominous, but hope was restored with Callum intercepting a weak clearance from the Needingworth keeper and weaving into the area before finishing well at the near post. This prompted a good spell of pressure from Crusaders, with Tom and Joe combining for the latter to shoot wide, and CT and Paul providing a platform for the midfield to push forward in search of another equaliser. With Charlie replacing Alex up front, Huw launched himself on a dangerous run that the Needingworth defence had no answer to, but the final shot was mistimed. Tom also had a couple of near misses as Crusaders kept up the tempo, but they had CT to thank for some exceptional covering after a mix-up in defence had left the goal open.  Needingworth seized their next opportunity, however, when a low shot across goal found its way inside the post to put the visitors 2-4 ahead at half-time.

The second half promised more goals and it was vital for Crusaders to get one back quickly, which looked possible when Joe burst through almost from the kick-off, only for the keeper to pull off a great save. Needingworth in turn swept upfield, and although Teddy managed a fine save from the initial effort Crusaders were caught flat-footed and the rebound was prodded home to open up a 2-5 lead. Crusaders knew they had to respond quickly, and from Tom’s corner a goalmouth scramble resulted in Huw shooting just over the bar. Crusaders had more luck when Joe chased a ball into the area and was brought down, the penalty taken by Joe himself and converted clinically to keep hopes alive at 3-5.

The next few minutes, however, were to prove Crusaders’ undoing as they conceded two more sloppy goals to leave a mountain to climb at 3-7.  Despite the situation Crusaders were determined to go down fighting and played strongly to the final whistle, with Tom and Joe both going close before Tom hit the bar from distance. Needingworth were not finished, however, and it took goal line clearances from SamH and James, and a fine tip-over from Teddy, to keep the mountain-top in sight. It finally disappeared when Needingworth notched goal number eight, a direct attack down the middle proving too much to handle, and though Crusaders pressed to the end they could not improve the scoreline.

A dip in form was inevitable at some point in a long season, and Crusaders went into the Christmas break hoping that this defeat would be no more than a blip. Nevertheless, full credit must go to Needingworth, who played strongly for the whole game and made the most of their chances. Good luck to both teams in 2007.

Squad: Jamie Baker, James Biswell, Tom Blair, Joe Dickens, Teddy Elbourn, Huw Gordon, Paul Hardy, Sam Hills, Callum Pinner, CT, Charlie Wetton-Smith, Alex Willis