Bulldogs hit top spot with seven to play (From Gazette Series)

Bulldogs hit top spot with seven to play

Harrow Hill Res 0 Cam Bulldogs 2

CAM Bulldogs moved to the top of the Northern Senior Division 2 for the first time this season after a comfortable victory at Harrow Hill.

The visitors were far from at their best, but did not need to be as their hosts showed why they have not picked up a single point this season.

Cam did survive a scare inside the first five minutes after Brad Price needlessly conceded a free-kick on the Harrow Hill left.

The kick was whipped into the goalmouth and the Harrow Hill centre back headed wide of the post when it looked easier to score.

After a sluggish opening 15 minutes the Bulldogs eventually came to life with a well taken goal.

Maz Meta found himself in space in the penalty area and after a good first touch he drove a shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.

Ten minutes later Cam spurned a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Pete Holder was tripped.

Danny McIntosh took the responsibility but his effort was pushed to safety by the goalkeeper.

Harrow Hill were buoyed by the save and tried to get back into the game before half-time.

However, their one dangerous forward was well marshalled by the outstanding Joe Iatelese and a short aerial bombardment was dealt with by the safe hands of Ben Jagger.

Shortly before the break the game was ended as a contest after Meta was put in on the left and he calmly stroked the ball past the goalkeeper for his second of the match.

The second half failed to offer anything better, with Harrow Hill failing to test Jagger and some wayward finishing letting down Cam.

Substitute Nathan Vines dragged a shot wide of the target and an optimistic 40-yard effort from Price flew over.

With the game becoming increasingly niggly Harrow Hill turned to roughhouse tactics, although the referee was reluctant to show the yellow card.

In the dying moments the Bulldogs missed further chances to extend their lead as Meta saw his chance for a hat-trick blocked, while Jack Barnfield completely missed the target from inside the six yard box.

Cam manager Stuart Grimwood said afterwards: "The best thing you can say about the game is that we got the three points. However, with Bourton winning at Berkeley it's three points that takes us to the top of the table.

"We've got six games left and if we win all six then we will be champions - it's as simple as that.

"Our next game is at home to Brimscombe and Thrupp, who we had to play really well against to beat earlier this season, so I fully expect a difficult game."

l Cam's match with Brimscombe kicks off at 3pm tomorrow.