Newmarket Town’s strengths and weaknesses in full view during Isthmian League North Division win over Cambridge City

In many ways Tuesday night’s 4-2 home win over Cambridge City perfectly encapsulated Newmarket Town’s season so far.

On the one hand the Jockeys – playing at Step 4 for the first time in the club’s history – were a joy to watch going forward.

And the four goals that they scored took their tally for the campaign to 24, which is the joint eighth best return in the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division.

However, the two goals they conceded were a stark reminder of the defensive issues that have consistently plagued Michael Shinn’s side during the first three months of the term. Newmarket’s goals against column currently stands at 39 from 16 matches – no team in the division has shipped more.

“Obviously we’re pleased to win the game and while we’re conceding these terrible goals, it’s a case of us having to out-score teams,” said Shinn, who saw his team lose 2-0 at home to Maldon & Tiptree at the weekend.

“Ultimately it’s individual errors whether we play a three, a four or a five (in defence). Whatever system it is, we make errors and we concede early goals which is giving us an uphill battle.

“We’re getting punished for things that we probably got away with last year, but the overriding feeling is the happiness with the win.

“We created a lot of chances – we always do. I’m still quite relaxed about it because performance levels have been good.

“When you drive home after a game and the performance level has been good and you’ve created lots of chances, it’s a positive.

“If we conceded bundles and we weren’t creating lots then we’d have massive problems, but it’s a defensive issue as a group.

“It’s something that we’ve got a real desire to put right and we can do it because there have been times when we’ve needed to defend well and we’ve done it – we just need to find that consistency.”

Newmarket fell behind after just seven minutes against City when captain Jayden Randell was given the freedom of the six-yard box to nod the ball beyond the reach of Newmarket goalkeeper James Young.

The hosts had to weather a period of pressure thereafter, but that was released when Ben Robinson’s 35th-minute free kick from a narrow angle arrowed into the top corner to level up the scoreline.

Ex-City striker Stan Leech then capitalised on some hesitancy in the City backline to fire Newmarket in front in first-half stoppage time.

Leech went on to make it 3-1 two minutes after the restart when he turned in the rebound from Ally Conway’s effort before Efraim Romanos strode through to roll in a fourth goal with 15 minutes remaining.

However, what should have been a relatively comfortable ending to proceedings turned into somewhat of a nervy affair when Newmarket needlessly surrendered possession in their own box at a goal kick and Jack Thompson pounced to score from close range.

Shinn was particularly pleased for Leech, who has often had to make do with appearances off the bench since joining the club in the summer. The two goals were the first that the forward has scored since the middle of September.

“Stan has had to be patient because for long periods we’ve played with one up top,” added the Newmarket boss.

“I felt with the way that we played at the weekend (against Maldon), we got down the sides a lot and that would suit Stan.

“I’m really pleased for him. It’s difficult when you’re new to a club and you’re not playing as much as you’d like.

“The fans absolutely love him every time that he plays. They get behind him and he got a good reception when he came off.

“His attitude has been good and that’s important because some players we’ve had in the past haven’t had that type of attitude when they’re not in the team.

“He’s been patient and we’re really pleased he’s got a couple of goals.”