STFC's new talented signing PROCTOR, came off the bench to equalise in what was, the very least, the home side deserved.

The opening 10 minutes became a solid 'sounding out' contest with both teams seeing what the other was made of. This is the 1st time in their history they have played one another and considering they are both well over 100 years old, that's quite a stat! But as the game wore on, it was Stow who started to apply the pressure. Neat combination play between GRAHAM, HALL and BROWN created the first clear cut opening on 22 minutes with BROWN'S deflected shot just going wide. The resulting corner ended in a scramble which was eventually rifled cleared. Stow continued to dominate possession but the chances were never clear cut. Free Kick on 32 and Long throw on 34 both half chances falling to BROWN, who was unlucky not to turn them in. With Cambridge (CUP) playing on the back foot and doing their best to counter-attack and the clock ticking toward half time, Stow had the best chance of the match. DRUMMOND beat his marker down the right, cut the ball back to CANFER who played it neatly across to the opposite wing. HALL to GRAHAM into WAKE who found BROWN who, with a neat touch to deceive the defender, saw his resulting shot just go wide of the far post. Despite Stow’s superior play, Cambridge did had their own opportunities. On 41 their best chance came from a corner which BUGG did well to scuttle past his post. Half time and all to play for.

The second 45 saw CUP come more into the game. HAKAMI had a get chance as he broke through the Stow defence, but BUGG was equal to the attack and reacted quickly off his line to smoother the ball. PROCTOR was now on for WAKE and his burst of energy gave Stow an additional lift. Ball in from DRUMMOND, PROCTOR turn, shot, just over. Then with CUP having a pressure spell of their own, a long ball to the back post, misjudged by SMITH and the ball was cut back nicely for the finish just inside the 6 yard box. 1-0 CUP. Stow were not done yet and continued to push forward and on the 83^rd minute got their just rewards, MCCONNELL ball into GRAHAM and a neat through pass to PROCTOR who beat his man and rifled in a shot from 20 yards in to the far corner. Both sides had their chances to win it but in this opening day encounter, watched by almost 100 people, the two teams left the pitch satisfied with their campaign opener.