It was a positive display of resilience by Biggleswade United at Tring Athletic midweek as they came from behind twice to secure 2-2 draw in normal time – even if the match ended in a 4-2 defeat on penalties as they crashed out of the Dudley Latham Memorial Cup.

It was the second time their opponents had beaten them this term after also having knocked them out of the League Challenge Trophy on spot-kicks last month.

However, the result shouldn’t detract from the good form Cristian Colas’ men have showed in 90 minutes over the last nine games.

A 5-1 success at champions London Colney last weekend was preceded by four straight 2-0 wins and the team are unbeaten in ninety minutes since a 1-0 reverse against The Blueboys in August.

The league season has been interrupted by various cup fixtures, so the next four being in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division presents a good opportunity to move up the table after an underwhelming beginning to the campaign.

Crawley Green

Crawley Green, who ground-share with Barton Rovers, have made a slow start themselves and are in eighteenth place. They are still in the two aforementioned cup competitions United have been eliminated from, however it’s the league from that’s been most concerning.

They took four matches to secure their first win when they overcame Leverstock Green 2-1 at Pancake Lane.

It remains their only victory with high-scoring away losses at Stotfold, Cockfosters and St Margaretsbury respectively following, with the latter finishing 6-3 to the hosts. They picked up a credible point at Holmer Green midweek to arrest the losing run.

United took the three points in this fixture last season with a 2-0 triumph, whilst the game at Sharpenhoe Road finished 1-1.

Mark Smith’s side are capable of performing better than their league position suggests and United can’t afford to be complacent.

Recent results and performances have set a standard and they need to reach that once again at Second Meadow on Saturday, KO 3pm.