LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 3 vs Nottingham Men’s 1st XI 6
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 12th January 2019
After what felt like a complete off-season had passed, well actually six weeks, Town 3rd XI entered back into league fray. Looking to add to their back to back wins from before the Christmas break, they took on Nottingham 1st XI only 1 position above them, and with a win would move them to only 1 point behind them. Missing key defender with Rory Cook out through injury, and struggling for numbers Town called upon Gav Guest to add his wealth of experience to the youth movement up front.
Town started the match well and considering the long break put Nottingham under some early pressure. Nottingham then came back their own spell with the new back line of Reina, Dalby, Byrne & McDermott holding firm, along with keeper Jo Oram also producing some timely saves. With 15 minutes to go before halftime Town broke the deadlock with some good passing around the top of the D gave Guest the chance to hit a reverse stick shot on goal which sailed into the top left of the goal with the keeper completely unsighted, 1-0 Town. Town had chance to take a 2-0 lead shortly after though after scoring a great first goal Guest failed to add to his tally missing the net and instead hitting the post (probably miss of the season!). The rebound rolled agonisingly passed Town players who couldn’t tap it into the back of the goal. Looking ok for their 1-0 lead into half time, Town gave up the lead just before halftime with a couple of mistakes which lead to a well taken equaliser from Nottingham.
Halftime 1-1, and all to play for. Captain Pete Hayes gave a stern team talk at halftime, picking up the team, readying them for push to victory in the 2nd half.
Nottingham started the stronger of the sides and soon were up 2-1, then in quick succession another scored, 3-1. Not giving in Town rallied and got one back through a good short corner routine with George Gutteridge scoring after a deceptive pass from Hayes at the top of the D, 3-2 Nottingham. Oram was called into action again making some really good saves though Nottingham managed to extend their lead to 4-2 from a strong short corner strike from the top of D. Town again not giving in responded, with Gutteridge pouncing again to make the score 4-3 Nottingham. However, the comeback wasn’t too be, and Nottingham managed another two goals to make the final score 6-3, with them taking the 3 points.
Man of the match, went to Oram in goal for a fine performance, though close 2nd was Jono Griffiths for his tireless running up front both in attack and defence.
So with technically half of the season now completed, Town sit in 10th place with 7 points. Next week brings Leicester Panthers at home which will be a tough match, though Town will look to put in a better performance than this week.
