City stormed back from their Boxing Day defeat at the Glassword Stadium to get 2006 off to the perfect start with a 3-1 win which brought the Stutes’ run of four straight league victories to a grinding halt in a pulsating local derby.

With their trip to Newport a victim of the weather this was the Lilywhites first game since their 1-0 defeat a week previously. With Craig Pope returned from suspension and Matt Langston and Paul Booth fit to start the hosts starting eleven had a much more solid look about it. Lee Soar, injured on his debut, Craig Dobson and Dave Sadler making way to accommodate the changes.

Robbie Simpson gets stuck in

The Stutes followed up their 1-0 victory over City with an emphatic 4-1 defeat of Dorchester at the weekend thanks to second half goals from Jamie Barker, Neil Andrews (twice) and Matt Haniver, the last three strikes all coming within the final ten minutes. Victory came at a price however with Steve Jackman an injured and his replacement, former City youngster Matthew Mitchell-King, along with Neil Kennedy (for Leon Gutzmore) represented the only changes from the first leg of the festive double.

Any fears that the healthy holiday crowd were in for a repeat of the turgid affair last Monday were dispelled as early as the second minute when City caught the visitors cold and roared into an early lead.

Histon had done a good job in neutralising Dale Binns at their own ground and the importance of his contribution to the City cause was soon evident as he found space wide on the left and delivered a lofted cross towards the far post. The Stutes’ reorganised rearguard failed to position themselves well and as Paul Booth stole in at the far post he rose unchallenged to head back across Lance Key and in to leave the visitors’ stunned.

With Histon still reeling the Lilywhites looked to press home their advantage and could have doubled their lead within a minute. Binns sped clear once again and his low centre found Booth who laid the ball back to Lee Flynn and the Dagenham loanee sent a scorching drive narrowly over the bar.

Having weathered the early storm Histon struck back with renewed confidence. Jamie Barker’s persistence allowed him to capitalise when Matt Langston lost his footing and he fired a fierce drive across the face of Danny Naisbitt’s goal from an acute angle.

The visitors went on to enjoy the lion’s share of possession but the City defence showed a spirit and resolution which afforded Naisbitt excellent protection. On the half hour Histon did get behind the Lilywhites’ back line, Adie Cambridge delivered a probing cross from the right but Craig Pope was on hand to deny Neil Kennedy with a brave block.

Moments later Cambridge switched wings and sent in another quality centre which found Barker who headed narrowly wide.

Matt Langston beats Histon's Matt Mitchell-King

Sustained Histon pressure nearly brought them level as the half drew to a close. Nathaniel Knight-Percival pulled the ball back from the touchline and into path of the onrushing Matt Haniver who had arrived late at the far post and struck a low drive back across Naisbitt but the former AFC Wimbledon ‘keeper reacted superbly to save with his legs.

There was still time for both teams to threaten before the break. Firstly good play by the impressive Greg Lincoln freed Booth down the right and his outswinging centre was headed behind by Louie Farrington under pressure from Robbie Simpson.

As play switched quickly to the other end Haniver sent in a deep centre and City were again indebted to Pope who headed clear with Knight-Percival closing in.

City were quickly out of the blocks in the second period. Paul Booth sprung a fragile offside trap within seconds of the restart but was unable to bring a high through ball under control.

Having regained their composure Histon again began to exert sustained pressure and Knight-Percival should have done better when he found himself in space, ten yards out, and in receipt of an accurate Barker centre, but the left sided player who has emerged through the ranks at the Glassworld blazed over when he should have at least tested Naisbitt.

Barker was proving to be a thorn in the side of the City defence and he rounded off a powerful run from centre field with a low shot which faded just wide of the post.

Having soaked up significant pressure City then gave Histon a lesson in finishing as they struck for a decisive second time just before the hour mark. Dale Binns played in the dynamic Lee Flynn wide on the left. His first attempted cross was blocked but as the ball rebounded back his second delivery to the far post was perfectly flighted for Robbie Simpson who crashed a towering header past Key.

Histon were visibly deflated and lost their way for a ten minute spell, however any set play always presented an opportunity and as Adie Cambridge’s left sided corner was only partially cleared he returned the ball into the dangerous area between the ‘keeper and defenders. Danny Naisbitt elected to punch clear and was relieved to see the rebound, which came off Mitchell-King, land wide of the post.

With 20 minutes remaining Gary Roberts introduced influential midfielder Mark Molesley, missing since he was on the receiving end of a poor tackle when Weymouth were the visitors in late November, Lee Flynn making way.

Josh Simpson and Histon's Jamie Barker

There were two further changes shortly afterwards as firstly the Stutes introduced former Milton Road crowd favourite Rob Nightingale at the expense of Haniver and for the hosts Dave Sadler replaced Paul Booth.

With nine minutes remaining Rob Nightingale did for Histon what he used to do for City and grabbed a lifeline for his team. For the first time in the game the Stutes profited from an Adie Cambridge throw and Nightingale was on hand to lash home powerfully from close range.

This produced an electrifying finale to the game. City should have wrapped up proceedings straight from the restart when Lincoln’s probing through ball sent Sadler clear down the right and the former Hinckley hit-man squared unselfishly for Robbie Simpson but his first touch was heavy and Lance Key was quickly off his line to smother.

As play switched from end-to end Nightingale burst clear again and his centre was volleyed narrowly wide by Neil Kennedy. Histon piled forward, even ‘keeper Lance Key came up for a couple of corners.

City could have sealed the points at the end of normal time when great work by Binns wide on the left set up Robbie Simpson but with a clear sight of goal the teenage striker, leaning back, sent his drive sailing into the night sky.

Just when it seemed the Stutes incessant pressure would force an equaliser another flag kick broke down and Dale Binns seized on the loose ball, deep inside the City half. Accelerating clear he homed in on goal, drew Key off his line, rounded him and slotted home to send the Lilywhites’ fans into wild celebration.

City truly rose to the occasion showing all the passion and determination required to overcome opponents as tough as Histon. After an indifferent first half to the season this really could act as the springboard for the Lilywhites to climb back up the league table.