LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 4 at Northampton Saint Men’s 2nd XI 3
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 1st December 2018
Loughborough Men’s 3rd XI travelled to Moulton Academy to face Northampton Saints Men’s XI. Full of confidence after last week’s victory Town looked to extend their winning streak and carry momentum into the Christmas break.
On an unfamiliar water-base, Town started poorly due a defensive mistake which lead to the home team taking the lead within the first couple of minutes, fearing it was going to be a long afternoon. However, Town responded well controlling the game for the rest of the half as they looked to find a way back into the game. Just before half-time George Gutteridge found himself through on goal and was bundled over inside the D, leading to a flick. Taken by Rory Cook who confidently dispatched the flick into the top left corner.
The home team came out stronger in the second half which lead to them retaking the lead, but this was quickly cancelled out by an incredible goal by Jono Griffiths, who squeezed the ball in from the baseline. Town now full of confidence then took the lead through a short corner from captain Pete Hayes. Immediately after the restart the ball was intercepted by Ollie Jephcott who set up George Gutteridge to finish on his reverse.
As Town looked to hold on for the win, temperatures were heating up on the home team two green and yellow cards were given for a lack of discipline. Saints started to mount a comeback as they pulled the score back to 4-3 through a tight angled shot and then rallied for another. They almost pulled level from a short corner, but the attempt was deflected over the bar by Liam Brown. In the final seconds saints had a reverse stick shot deflected away from the goal by their own player and the final whistle was blown. Man of the match went to Nathan Byrne for an solid performance at half back.
This well thought victory took Loughborough to 9th in the table after back to back wins, ending this half of the season on a high. Next up is Nottingham 1st XI after the Christmas break as Town look to continue their winning streak.
