Leaders learn the necessary lesson

COREIX Unwantables have retained a three-point gap at the top of Investec Men's Division One. They overcame Investec Colombians Vets 1-0 in a scrappy encounter at Foote's Lane on Saturday

But Investec Colombians 'juniors' remain in touch after beating Brewin Dolphin Mavericks 3-2.

Unwantables captain Jon Bell said that the side had learnt lessons after the previous week when they let a lead slip against the second-placed team with just two minutes to go.

Colombian Vets' long-ball game meant the strength of Unwantables' midfield was not seen in the first half on Saturday, said Bell.

'In the second half our midfield gained more of the ball. That pressure ultimately gained the short corner which put us 1-0 up. Unlike last week when because of a lack of concentration we gave a goal away, we learned from our mistakes and this time everyone marked to the last minute.'

Ady Peacegood got the winner with a crisp strike from the short.

The tightness of the game reflected a trend that has been seen throughout the season.

Colombian Vets hit the post with a TJ Ozanne drag flick from a short corner in the first half and then controversially had ruled out a strike that would have brought them level in the second, the umpires saying it was hit from outside the D.

Unwantables also got the ball into the back of the net only to see it ruled out for an infringement in the D.

Vets sweeper Jan Collins said that many times this season the umpiring had affected the outcome of a game.

'One decision turns a good game into something players are not happy with, that's not just this game, but throughout the season,' he said.

'The teams have levelled out a lot, which is what we wanted, but it now means the umpires have to raise their standards. Generally, they do a good job, but one or two times it goes against a team.'

Vets were disappointed with the disallowed goal.

'I don't think the standard of play has particularly got better, but the games are more even, so decision making is more in question. I think the umpires will agree they have had more people questioning decisions.'