LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 2 vs Panthers (Leicester) Men’s 1st XI 4
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 19th January 2019
Despite a masterclass from man of the match Tommy Ross, a Town side depleted by injuries and exam leave succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Panthers in the East Midlands 1 league.
In a surprisingly good-natured game, both sides had chances to score in the first half, with notable chances falling to Ollie Jephcott, after good work from Lawrie Bayne in the build-up, and Jono Griffiths. Panthers created a few scoring opportunities of their own, however Joe Oram was alert to make several smart saves, to keep the score at 0-0 heading into half time.
Town were fast out of the blocks in the second half, after an inspiring and tactically astute team talk from coach Rory Cook, and opened the scoring after playing the ball down the right through Mike Reina and Nathan Hunt, before Bayne squared for Ross, who had been moved into a ‘very attacking midfield’ role in a stroke of tactical genius from captain Peter Hayes, to open the scoring, cleverly wrong footing the keeper to slot the ball into the bottom right corner.
Panthers then replied with two goals in quick succession, some sloppy marking from town letting them draw level, before a drag flick which left the town defence with no chance. Town responded with some sustained attacking pressure, with Jephcott and Griffiths having good chances, before Ross had a first time shot cleared off the line after the goalie was beaten.
Next came the moment of the match, and perhaps the goal of the season. Town worked the ball forwards, utilising the aerial from Liam Brown to move up the pitch. Hunt then reacted quickest to a free hit, shipping the ball to Ross who scored with a fine reverse finish, leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance. Town then had a period of dominance, with Mark Dalby and Nathan Byrne stopping every Panthers attack before they could get going, however they weren’t able to take their chances, and eventually Panthers scored a second short corner goal, before scoring their 4th of the game with 8 minutes remaining.
Although it was another loss for Town, there were plenty of positives to take from the game, with an away game against Ashby Men’s 1st XI coming up next week.
