Martlets Hang In For Tie

The Martlets came from behind to earn a draw with the Winged Beavers of Avon Old Farms on their home pitch.  The hosts had the early advantage in possession and position, playing much of the first half in their offensive end.  It paid dividends early for them, as they took a 1-0 lead in just the third minute.  A nice ball put their forward behind the back line; with an early strike he played a nice shot over keeper Jake Crow '12, who had come off his line.  Avon continued to press the Martlet backs through the first forty-five minutes, but they could not extend their lead.  Crow made two fine saves to keep the game close, and toward the end of the half the Black and Gold began to hold the ball for longer stretches at a time.  The second half was a more balanced contest, with the battle being carried out in the midfield.  Jack Zaykowski '12 and Greg Jarvis '13 were the workhorses, with nice support from Kiki Terry '12 and Sean Han '14.  It looked like another narrow loss as chances slipped away, but in the 81st minute a free kick just outside the Avon penalty area brought the equalizer.  Zaykowski's blast into the wall bounced right in front of Jarvis 20 yards from goal;  his low blast through a sea of legs found the side of the net.  The final nine minutes saw both teams pressing to break the tie.  The Beavers had the best chance, working the ball deep into the box in the 90th minute, but Will Stevens '12 blocked their shot just before time expired.  A nod goes today to defenders Greg Pietroforte '12, Amory Beldock '12 and Connor Janson '13 (playing against his former team mates), who absorbed the Avon pressure while maintaining their poise.