LTHC Men’s 1st XI 1 at Bournville Men’s 1st XI 3
MRHA T1 – Midlands Premier
Saturday 19th January 2019
Loughborough Town Men’s 1st XI travelled to Bournville with confidence off the back of a positive performance, despite the result, from their previous game. Town were depleted in numbers but a “rousing” team talk from the charismatic captain Morris (eager to try out his new stick) set Town going in the 1st half.
The match was a tight affair in the first half with both teams evenly matched and chances coming at both ends. Morris, so excited about his new stick, momentarily forgot where the D was and rifled into the bottom corner before remembering he needs to be in the D for it to count. Defensively, Town looked solid with the likes of Slaney, Proctor, Morris and JT putting in a shift. Even when they were breached, Town keeper Dhutia kept Bournville at bay, especially with a double save from a penalty corner.
Going into the 2nd half, the call was for more of the same. However, Town momentarily returned to type and forgot to mark, allowing Bournville to snatch the lead early in the 2nd half with a tap in following the initial save. This spurred Town back into life and put relentless pressure on Bournville. The break through eventually arrived when Curd realised that one of Proctor’s many through balls could be put away with a deflection. It was a deserved goal for Curd who worked tirelessly throughout the game across the pitch.
The scene was set for Town to kick on and take the game but Morris and JT decided to have a competition of who can pass to the opposition striker the most. This ultimately led to a break down in play and an unmarked player tapped-in for Bournville to take a 2-1 lead. With legs tiring, France showed his impetuous youth and was given a green card for knocking the ball away at a break-down. Over-loaded, an unmarked Bournville striker received the ball with his back to goal. Unfortunately, in a moment of madness Town keeper Dhutia decided it was better that player sat down. A penalty flick and a 3rd goal to Bournville followed. In fairness to Dhutia, he was probably excited about discovering he scored his first goal for Loughborough Town earlier in the season.
Proctor was given Man of the Match for his excellent through balls (that no-one should be surprised about) and defending that typified most of his game. Whilst the result did not go Town’s way, there were positives to take from the game and things to work on in training. If Town continue to improve and remove the periods of weakness then the results will come.
