Match abandonned as manager fears for his team

Grantham Town’s preseason friendly against Stamford, was abandoned just before halftime last night.

Stamford Manager Graham Drury took his players off the pitch with concerns over sustaining injuries. Grantham were trailing by two goals at the time.

Grantham manager Martin McIntosh said: “I think our levels of fitness at this stage contributed to a couple of late challenges.”

“Stamford were a bit sharper than we were. Although I’m disappointed by Graham’s decision to take his side off, as a manager, I respect that he wanted to make sure he didn’t get any more injuries with an FA Cup game coming soon.”

Stamford boss Drury, whose previous clubs include Boston Utd and Harrowby Utd said: “There were five or six nasty challenges went in which you don’t want in a pre-season game.

“I’ve got six or seven on the injury table already and with the FA Cup in a couple of weeks couldn’t afford any more on a night where conditions certainly played their part.”

The action on the pitch got off to the worst possible start for the Gingerbreads. Stamford took the lead after only 15 seconds. A quick break down the Grantham left saw the ball crossed to Tom Siddons who slipped it past Jan Budtz.

The home side doubled their lead after half an hour when a strong run through the centre of midfield ended with a perfect pass for the Stamford right winger who had popped up on the edge of the Gingerbreads penalty area. He took a touch, stepped to his right and curled a lovely shot into the bottom of the net.

The game boiled over before half time with Harry Middleton and then James Berrett booked for strong and slightly late challenges in the centre of the park. After Berrett’s 42nd minute yellow card left his opponent needing treatment, the Stamford boss walked on to the pitch and instructed his players to leave. Both sides faced up to each other in the centre circle as they made their way off, the referee eventually intervening and the game being abandoned.

After the match, Drury tweeted a notice to Stamford fans.

He said: “To all Stamford fans at tonight’s game. Sorry about the game being cut short.

“Both managers and ref decided it was the right decision to call a halt to the game conditions becoming dangerous.

“I will personal by any fan that feels cut short tonight a drink in the bar v Peterborough Sports.”