LTHC Men’s 1st XI 4 vs Barton Men’s 1st XI 4
MRHA T1 – Midlands Premier
Saturday 17th November 2018
Town were looking to bounce back against a dogged Barton side after a tough defeat to Harborne the previous week.
Early frantic exchanges created a very open game right from the start with chances being created by both sides. After 16 minutes Town took the lead after some outstanding link up play between Proctor, Randall and Godwin presented Slaney with the ball at the top of the oppositions ‘D’. No mistake was made with Slaney tomahawking in to the bottom corner.
However Barton were quick to respond after some sloppy defensive play by quickly racing in to a 3–1 lead inside of 10 minutes.
Continual movement by Godwin, Ratcliff and Morris created Towns second goal with club captain Matt Parry deflecting in from close range. With 2 minutes of the half remaining Loughborough drew level with a penalty stroke calmly dispatched by top scorer Bowden.
The second half saw more tactical prowess applied by the home side, however a breakaway goal saw Town 4-3 down. For the final 20 minutes it was all one way traffic. With the work rate of France, Murdoch and debutant Thomas on the flanks, space was created for Whiting and Sign to expose. With several missed chances, it looked like an undeserved defeat was to be bestowed upon the home side. However, with 5 minutes remaining, Town grabbed a much deserved equaliser. A quick ball from playmaker Proctor found Whiting out wide on the left wing. A trademark reverse pass in to the danger area allowed Ratcliff to score with a one handed deflection with the game finishing 4-4 at the final whistle. Next week, Loughborough Town travel to Lichfield where a win will push them closer towards their aim of a top 4 finish.
