LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 2 vs Melton Men’s 1st XI 4
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 5th October 2019
Loughborough Town 3rd XI successfully mustered 11 players, in preparation for their first game of the season; at home to Melton 1st XI. Both teams started the game well, with a frantic 10 minutes yielding goals for either team, due to some classy saves from Town’s debutant keeper Jaimin Metcalf.
A swift move through midfield sent the ball forward to Jono Griffiths who squared it to Sam Mason who calmly finished the first goal of the day. Unfortunately, Melton replied in kind, equalising with a scrappy goal, before scoring again on a breakaway. 2 -1 to Melton at half-time.
Town came out well after half time, pushing for their second goal. A brilliant ball into the circle was undeniably deflected by Nathan Byrne into the corner of the goal, scoring without any doubt.
Once again Melton stepped it up a gear, attacking relentlessly. The home team defended well, but were eventually opened up by a deft deflection, for Melton to regain the goal advantage. Nonetheless Town were not disheartened, continuing to press for another goal.
Captain and midfield maestro Pete Hayes moved himself to left wing for the final 10 minutes of the game, pushing for the equaliser. The elusive equaliser never came for Town, despite some promising attacking play, however the game was put to bed in the final moments, as another counter attack resulted in a Melton goal to make it 4-2 to the visitors.
Overall it was a solid first performance for the new team, despite the loss, with Town competing well throughout the game. Although the strong performance from Nathan Byrne deserves credit, man of the match went to Arun Phandey.
