Saffron Walden Town 0 - 1 March Town United - Bartlett praises character of side as Beeny’s penalty save proves decisive

March Town football v Stowmarket Town. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Lewis McManus grabbed the only goal on 60 minutes, finishing off a quick break involving Denny Escorcio and Dan Woods.

Saffron Walden hit the woodwork a number of times and March’s defenders cleared several efforts of the line but, when the hosts were awarded a dubious penalty, it looked like their resistance would be broken.

However, Hares goalkeeper Dave Beeny had other ideas, producing a stunning save from the spot.

Bartlett said: “We defended absolutely brilliantly. The spirit shown was fantastic. I think every defender cleared the ball off the line.

“We were a long way short in terms of quality, shape and executing our gameplan but you couldn’t knock our spirit and how hard we worked for each other.

“I can’t imagine many teams will go to Saffron and pick up points this season. They are a strong, slick and well organised side who will be in the shake up this season.”

On Saturday, goals from Escorcio and Sean White helped March beat Stowmarket Town 2-0 at Robingoodfellows Lane.

After a goalless first half, Escorcio broke the deadlock with a fine individual goal - he picked the ball up midway in the Stowmarket half, drove forward and produced a low finish.

March doubled their lead through White, who picked the ball up on the left hand side of the box and hit a screamer into the top corner.

Bartlett said: “Saturday showed we have good quality in our side. We were a bit nervy for the first 30 minutes but in the second half it was all us and 2-0 by no means flattered us.”

The games come thick and fast for March, who sit fourth in the Thurlow Nunn First Division - they travel to Braintree Town Reserves on Saturday then welcome highly rated Swaffham Town on Tuesday.