Upminster travelled to Crostyx looking to build on their draw on the opening game of the season. Unavailability meant a shift around for the team, although they did welcome back Nick O’Dell and club newcomer Gary O’Donaghue.
Both teams started the game brightly, playing the ball around nicely, and only a cat like save from Tom ‘The Wall’ Marston somehow deflected a Crostyx shot over the bar and kept Upminster level.
The away side began to press, and through some neatly worked build up play took the lead through Dave Young. Young, Nick O’Dell and Ryan Hodges worked tirelessly in midfield and Upminster created some good chances, but were unable to convert.
The away side were once again thankful to keeper Marston to keep them in the lead, with another Crostyx deflection being expertly tipped around the post.
In the second half both teams tried to grab a decisive goal, and were grateful to both keepers and defences to keep the scoreline at 0-1. Upminster survived a string of short corners whilst also missing a couple of gilt-edged chances to extend their lead. In the closing stages a quickly taken free hit capitalised on a sleeping Crostyx team as Mike Scrivener was able to tap in at the far post to confirm Upminster’s 3 points.
Upminster host Colchester at home next week, knowing that they’ll face a tough test to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
DoM: Tom Marston
MoM: Dave Young
