A Jason Darvall hat trick in the space of the opening fifteen minutes of the second period secured
all three points for United at a rain sodden Second Meadow on Tuesday night against much troubled
Ruislip Manor.
But while Darvall may have been the toast of Biggleswade in the second half it was the Ruislip
'keeper, James Christian who kept the United lions at bay in the first half with a string
of outstanding saves. As early as the opening minute Christian and his fellow defenders
blocked five consecutive shots as United’s front men peppered the Ruislip goal from all
angles and in the following twenty minutes Christian made several crucial saves. Youngster
Jermaine Hall had three clear chances to give United the lead but on each occasion found the
keeper's hands rather than the back of the net. Equally guilty was the experienced Marc
Holmes and Luke Lincoln.
However, in the 34th minute and against the run of play the north London side took the lead
with their first strike at goal and it was a wonder shot from the impressive midfield man
Anthony McDonald that rocked the home supporters. Picking up a loose ball on the edge of the
United area McDonald turned and volleyed a perfect shot over the United defence that dipped behind
'keeper Chris Adams and in to the top corner of the net.
Once again the play swung towards the Ruislip end as United tried desperately to find the net but
the Manor defenders plugged all routes through and took their one goal advantage in at the break.
United's breakthrough finally came in the 47th minute and was followed by another two quick fire
goals that effectively sealed the end of the game. And it was Darvall who took full advantage of a
Manor back line that was now looking extremely dishevelled. His first came courtesy of a cross from
Lincoln that was spilled by Christian but Darvall slammed the ball in from close range to level the
scores.
United skipper Michael Scarisbrick also found himself presented with a shot at goal and a minute
later Hall's guilty feet caused him to claim miss of the night when he blasted over from six yards
out. But in the 54th minute Darvall showed the youngster the way to goal with his and United's
second of the night, although it was Hall who supplied Darvall with a perfectly weighted cross
that found his teammate unmarked as he struck the ball home.
Eight minutes later it was all over for the Manor as Darvall celebrated his first ever hat trick. A
good passing move through the middle of the park between Andre Maltay and Martin Russell was finished
with a through ball to Lincoln who squared to man of the match Darvall to tap in to an empty net.
With the deal done United shut up shop and put in a disciplined final twenty minutes to take a valuable
three points that provides a crucial 15 point gap between United and the bottom three.
This Saturday United entertain Tring Athletic (Kick Off 3pm) followed by the visit of Harefield
United on Tuesday 12th February (Kick Off 7.45pm).
United: Adams, Scarisbrick, Jones, Catmur, Stocker, Maltay, Russell, Lincoln (Supple) Holmes (Murray) Darvall, Hall, (O’Dell)
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