MK Irish had the chance to wrap up the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title this weekend, needing only to better Tring Athletic’s result. The reverse fixture back in September ended in a 2-2 draw, with Winslow finding themselves with a two-goal lead before Irish fought back to earn a point and could’ve nicked all three at the end. Winslow were also the first team to score against and take points from Irish this season, so all signs pointed to another competitive encounter.
However, the opening period lacked quality, with the poor pitch conditions making it difficult for either side to string passes together.
Irish were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute when Shrieves squared up his marker, skipped past him into the area and was dragged to the floor. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped James Meadows, but his low effort was dragged wide of the post, letting Winslow off the hook.
Irish had a flurry of corners but struggled to get on the end of many due to the physical presence of the hosts. Spence fired one from 25 yards, but his effort sailed well over the goal.
Ryan Smith pressed high to win back possession and played in Meadows, who got his shot away before the defender could get across to block, but his effort was also wide of the target.
Winslow then threatened with a dangerous free-kick launched deep into the box. The ball was headed across goal to an unmarked teammate, who directed his header downwards, forcing Ladyman into a brilliant diving save to tip it onto the bar. However, the offside flag was already up from the initial header, meaning it wouldn’t have counted.
Zawe looked to create something down the right, cutting inside and firing at goal, but his shot was blocked. Spence then found space on the edge of the box, spun his defender, and fired an outside-of-the-foot effort towards goal, but it lacked the power to trouble the keeper.
Winslow responded with a volley from the edge of the area, but it sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Irish came close to breaking the deadlock in the 44th minute. Spence picked up the ball just inside the Winslow half and clipped a perfect ball over the top to Meadows. The forward beat the keeper to it and attempted an audacious first-time dink, but agonisingly, it landed on the roof of the net.
Just before the break, Winslow had another great chance. A corner was delivered into the box and headed out to a Winslow player, who unleashed a powerful volley that crashed off the crossbar before Irish managed to clear their lines.
Half-time: Winslow 0-0 MK Irish
The second half continued in the same vein, with quality at a premium and clear chances hard to come by.
Shrieves had the best opportunity of the game after being played through by a brilliant flick from Meadows. Bearing down on goal, the Irish forward took his time and looked to slot the ball past the onrushing keeper, but the Winslow stopper spread himself well and saved with his foot.
Winslow had a rare sight of goal with a free-kick from 25 yards that curled narrowly wide of the post.
As the wind picked up, the game became scrappier, with neither side able to create much in open play. Most of the remaining opportunities came from set-pieces, but neither keeper was truly tested again.
Full-time: Winslow 0-0 MK Irish
Man of the Match: Harry Guess
Despite the disappointment of failing to find the net for the first time all season, Irish were handed a boost after hearing that Tring Athletic had also drawn 0-0 against Potton United. A win would have sealed the title, but as it stands, Irish now need just one more point to mathematically confirm their status as champions. With an 18-point lead and a +40 goal difference advantage, the title is all but secured, but they will look to make it official next weekend at home to Kempston Rovers.
