(4-4-2)

Andrews, Evans (Moore, 45), Bruni, Rogers, Eyre, Kuczynski, Gall (Johnson, 75), Smith, Wan, Newman, Ameri (Soresina, 65)

CPR ground out a deserved draw against a talented home side.

CPR arrived early and went through an extensive and well-organised warm-up, in contrast to their opponents who wandered in late and started sluggishly as a result.

CPR had the upper hand throughout the first half, and made their pressure count when they won a corner down the left hand side. Stuart swung in a great cross, the keeper and centre-back misjudged the flight of the ball, and Alex was on hand to nod the ball home.

CPR kept up the pace and had the home side on the back foot, although they struggled to create any clear opportunities. In such circumstances it’s always handy when you can count on getting goals from all areas of the pitch, and Luca obliged with an absolute belter. He picked the ball at centre-back, ran 10 yards upfield and thumped a shot from 60 yards out which came off the bar and into the net off the back of the bemused goalkeeper.

CPR were in control up to half-time, although they had a real let-off from a Primrose Hill corner which was played into the box, was dummied through their striker’s legs, and their man on the 6-yard box somehow managed to put it over the bar.

With a 2-0 cushion CPR knew it would be vital to keep things tight for a while in the second half, to try and smother the game. However, that plan went out the window as PH pulled one back within 30 seconds of kick-off. Their captain seized on a loose pass in midfield, broke through a couple of challenges and hit a fine shot to score.

The goal fired up the home team, and within a few minutes they had struck again. Their left-winger was sent away down the line, and although he seemed to control the ball with his hand the ref waved play on. The winger weaved his way past a couple of CPR men then beat John from a tight angle to equalise.

Primrose Hill now had their tails up and were well in the driving seat. A talented and mobile team who tend to score a lot of goals, they posed CPR many problems as they pushed forward for the winner. However, CPR drew on all their reserves of strength and experience, and yet again dug deep to battle their way to the final whistle without conceding another.

CPR were unfortunate to lose their two-goal lead, but a draw away to Primrose Hill is a fair achievement. It can be considered a measure of how the team’s form has improved since the start of the season. Now we have to concentrate on getting maximum points from the more winnable fixtures.

Final score: Primrose Hill 2, CPR 2

Match Reporter: Garry Griffin